Rhode Island
doctor sanctioned for reusing syringes

The Rhode Island health department has sanctioned a doctor who it says put patients at risk for disease, including HIV and hepatitis, through his reuse of syringes. Health officials said Augustus Marsella reused disposable syringes for vitamin B-12 injections, which he administered for weight loss. Though Marsella did not reuse the needles, he sterilized the syringes for reuse in his office, which health officials said violated medical standards.

The state health department sent advisories to 669 of the doctor's patients dating back to 2001, encouraging them to be screened for HIV and hepatitis B and C, although the department said the infection risk is very small. Marsella will surrender his medical license as of September 30. Until then, he will only be allowed to conduct pilots' flight physicals. (AP)