Westchester doctor's patients exposed to hepatitis

A Westchester County doctor's medical license has been suspended after four of his patients tested positive for the same strain of Hepatitis C. 

On Monday, the New York State Department of Health and Westchester County Health Department said Dr. Timothy Morley, a doctor of osteopathic medicine, was ordered to stop practicing and close his offices pending a formal hearing.

Health officials say they are now in the process of notifying his patients to let them know they may have been exposed to hepatitis B or C or HIV and to seek testing.

HEPATITIS C SYMPTOMS: What is the treatment?

Anyone who underwent an infusion, injection or had blood drawn at Tomorrow Medicine in Mount Kisco or White Plains, or at Morley's previous medicine practice, Advance Medicine of Mount Kisco, should get tested, officials said. 

Testing is available at no cost for patients through the county health department and appointments can be made by calling 914-995-7499.

During the course of officials' investigation, they found "a series of inappropriate infection control practices" and "concerns regarding the preservation, preparation, handling and administration of medicine" at Morley's offices.

The doctor is also accused of failing to produce records and information sought by health officials within the one-day deadline required under the Public Health and Education Law.

Of the four patients who tested positive for Hepatitis C, three are from Westchester County and one is from Dutchess County, officials said. 

A hearing is scheduled before the State Board for Professional Medical Conduct on Sept. 19.

Twitter: kr0618