Tomorrow Medicine Patients Could Have Been Exposed To Hepatitis, HIV

WHITE PLAINS, NY — Four patients of a hormone replacement clinic in Westchester County have tested positive for a particular strain of hepatitis C. As a result, the state Department of Health Monday is urging all patients of Dr. Timothy Morley of Tomorrow Medicine’s two locations to be tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV.

Exposure may have occurred at either of the following Tomorrow Medicine locations:

• 37 Moore Avenue, #3, Mount Kisco
• 1133 Westchester Avenue, White Plains

Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said he has ordered Morley to immediately stop practicing medicine, pending a formal hearing, due to charges of violating the state Public Health and Education Law and failing to produce relevant records as part of a state and local investigation.

The investigation was initiated by the NYSDOH and the Westchester County Department of Health after four people tested positive for hepatitis C.

Zucker said molecular testing performed at the state’s public health laboratory found that the strains of hepatitis C virus in all four individuals were identical, suggesting transmission likely occurred at the practice.

Morley’s license was suspended following the discovery of a series of inappropriate infection control practices and concerns regarding the preservation, preparation, handling and administration of medication.

Health officials said the order to immediately cease operation — prior to a hearing — was issued out of concern that more patients could be put at risk.

“As the health commissioner for Westchester County, I strongly encourage any of Dr. Timothy Morley’s patients who have received an intravenous infusion, injection or a blood draw to contact their health care provider to get tested for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV,” said Dr. Sherlita Amler. “I also want Dr. Morley’s patients to know that the Westchester County Department of Health stands ready to assist them by providing these tests at no cost at county facilities.”

To arrange for testing through Westchester County, Dr. Morley’s patients should call the Westchester County Department of Health at 914-995-7499, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Morley’s patients may come from surrounding counties and states, and NYSDOH is sharing this information with public health officials in all 50 states.

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