Health officials order Lewes medical practice closed

State officials have closed a Lewes ear, nose and throat medical practice after they were unable to confirm whether proper sterilization practices were being followed.

Delaware's Division of Public Health closed Delaware Otolaryngology Consultants LLC April 1, following an investigation spurred by at least one complaint.

Department officials recommend employees and patients of the practice contact their healthcare providers to discuss possible evaluation for communicable diseases, including hepatitis and HIV.

Department spokeswoman Emily Knearl said the recommendation is a precaution because diseases including hepatitis and HIV can be transmitted through unsterile equipment, and positive cases call for immediate treatment.

"No one has gotten an illness to our knowledge. We've actually just taken this action out of an excess of caution,” she said. “We're urging people to consult with their physicians.”

Knearl said discussions about hepatitis and HIV, which are blood-borne diseases, are common when inspections are unable to confirm appropriate sterilization at medical practices that perform invasive procedures.

A similar announcement was made last summer when a tattoo parlor in Elsmere was mandated to close for the same reason, Knearl said. She said the tattoo shop was able to quickly address the issues and reopen.

Practice purchased in June

The Lewes medical practice, located on Route 1, was purchased in June 2014 by Dr. Beth R. Duncan. Duncan previously worked with the practice's former owner, Dr. Paul Howard, who operated the otolaryngology medical offices under the business name ReNuMe.

Howard sold the practice to Duncan when he relocated to Texas, Duncan said in an interview when she took over the Lewes practice last year. Duncan also owns Wilmington-based Delaware Otolaryngology Consultants, which Knearl said is not under investigation because the office does not see patients.

Knearl said the Lewes office currently treats about 500 patients. She said the investigation, which should be completed within two weeks, will focus on current practices at the facility.

Investigation continues

Knearl said specific details about the inspection findings will be released when the investigation is complete.

“Depending upon what is found, that's when the conversation can start about the potential to reopen,” she said.

Contacted by phone at the Wilmington office, Duncan declined to comment on the state's decision to close the Lewes practice.

Reporter Melissa Steele contributed to this article.