But now officials are concerned that some of those patient may have been exposed to HIV and hepatitis infection. The concern grew from a recent investigation in which health officials determined that Stein allegedly conducted practice with reused needles and syringes. They claim this conduct occurred during surgeries and implant procedures especially.

Jan Stapleman, a department spokeswoman, is telling news that patients are being alerted in a letter to get tested for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Officials are still unsure why Stein engaged in such conduct. But they confirm that syringes cost a mere $1. And yet “This practice has been shown to transmit infections.”

Officials believe that the most likely victim were patients who underwent an injection especially sedation. “Syringes and needles were re-used for multiple patients to give intravenous medications, including sedation” the warning letter said. Instruments were “used repeatedly, often days at a time.”