Hepatitis C exposure Linked to Florida doctor’s Office, License Suspended
MELBOURNE, FL – Patients who received treatment at a Melbourne, Florida medical office between June 2023 and March 2025 may have been exposed to hepatitis C due to “unsafe infection control practices,” the Florida Department of Health has revealed. At least three patients contracted the virus following treatments at the office of Dr. Sharon Voepel, leading to a temporary suspension of the office’s surgical registration license and a $20,000 penalty for the physician.
The Department of Health first alerted the public to the potential exposure in April, urging individuals who visited the office during the specified timeframe to seek immediate testing for the bloodborne viral disease. Hepatitis C can lead to chronic infection, liver damage, cirrhosis, and an increased risk of liver cancer if left untreated, tho antiviral therapies now offer a near-certain cure.
An investigation following the public notification uncovered “several deficiencies in the facility’s hygiene and sterilization procedures,” according to an administrative complaint filed against Dr. Voepel. Inspectors found expired drugs and defibrillator pads,outdated manuals,and a lack of a formal risk management program. Critically,the office lacked adequate sterilization equipment,including a functioning handwashing station capable of properly sterilizing surgeons’ hands before procedures.
Further, the office was found to be improperly advertising itself as a pain-management clinic without being correctly registered with the health department.
Consequently of the investigation, Dr. Voepel’s surgery registration license has been suspended for six months, beginning October 15th. She is also required to pay a $2,000 fine and $18,000 to cover the Department of Health’s investigative costs.
Dr. Voepel will also be mandated to complete continuing education courses in infection control, risk management, and ethics, and must submit a written plan detailing how her office will achieve compliance with health regulations moving forward.
