NY Approves Corrective Plan for Mount Sinai Transplant Unit

Meanwhile, a six-month suspension of live adult-to-adult liver transplants at Mount Sinai remains in effect, and is not expected to be lifted prior to its scheduled expiration on Sept. 12, according to hospital spokeswoman Joan Lebow.

The state ordered the suspension and corrective plan, and levied the maximum fine on Mount Sinai, in March following its investigation of the death of Michael Hurewitz, who died three days after donating a portion of his liver to his brother, Adam, who has since recovered (see earlier Transplant Week story).

The 12-page plan of correction provides that the hospital will no longer allow first year surgical residents to work in the liver transplant unit. Under the plan, two "health care practitioners," including physician's assistants and nurse practitioners, are to be in the transplant unit at all times. The hospital also agreed to always maintain a ratio of at least one nurse per four patients in the transplant unit. The plan also requires doctors and nurses to respond to all pages from the unit within five minutes.

The plan further provides that surgeon who performs a procedure must evaluate the patient after surgery. In Hurewitz's case, Dr. Charles Miller, the head transplant surgeon who operated on him, never visited him after surgery, which is contrary to state regulations and standard practice.

Since the death of Hurewitz, the State Health Department said it has received 96 complaints about Mount Sinai, including 62 related to deaths of transplant recipients. The department also has gotten complaints about the care of five other liver donors.

Spokesman Rob Kenney said the Health Department was continuing to investigate these complaints, and after allowing the hospital to "make the necessary improvements" outlined in the correction plan, would visit the transplant unit unannounced "to see if they are in compliance."