Media Release

For Immediate Release
Date: July 11, 2005
Contact : Robert Marshall, PhD 401-222-1017

Health Department Censures Physician Over Re-Used Syringes
Patients Advised to Seek HIV and Hepatitis Testing

Today the RI Department of Health (HEALTH) announced sanctions against the medical practice of Augustus Marsella, D.O. located at 712 Oaklawn Avenue in Cranston, RI. Effective immediately, Dr. Marsella’s practice is limited only to pilot’s flight physicals on a probationary basis. Dr. Marsella also signed a consent agreement requiring the voluntary surrender of his medical license on September 30, 2005. He has been licensed to practice medicine in RI since 1948.

A Department of Health investigation determined that Dr. Marsella’s practice was confined, in recent years, to flight physicals and weight loss treatment using supplemental injections of vitamin B12. Dr. Marsella re-used disposable syringes for these injections after employing an in-office sterilization process. This procedure does not meet standards of acceptable medical practice. Dr. Marsella received a previous reprimand on July 3, 2001 for re-using glass syringes. There is no evidence that he reused needles at any time.

The reuse of improperly sterilized syringes potentially exposes patients to blood borne viruses such as HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. As a result, HEALTH also mailed advisories to each of the 669 current and past patients of Dr. Marsella—dating back to 2001. Although the risk of exposure is very small, HEALTH advised each patient to contact their primary care provider and undergo screening blood tests for each of these infectious agents. HEALTH provided a list of resources for patients without a regular source of care and a hotline (401-222-2577), workdays 9:00am to 4:00pm, for patients or physicians with questions.

“We took this action both to protect the health and safety of medical patients in Rhode Island and to advise current and former patients of Dr. Marsella to get tested,” said David R. Gifford, MD, MPH, Director of Health. “Reusing disposable syringes violates standards of medical practice and may expose patients, their families and other contacts to communicable diseases.”

Acute infection with HIV, Hepatitis B or C often does not cause symptoms. Chronic hepatitis can cause permanent liver disease or failure. HIV infection causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). For more information on hepatitis B and C or HIV go to the Department of Health website at www.HEALTH.ri.gov.