PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) - Expired disinfecting wipes, biohazard waste collected just once a year and staff failing to meet protective equipment standards and training are among the violations that landed a Pueblo dentist on probation.
The Colorado Dental Board placed Dr. Olga Jasina, who practices at Pueblo Pediatric Dentistry, on probation for at least 12 months following an investigation into infection control practices. Jasina admitted to the board’s findings in an agreement that took effect Oct. 8. Her probation will continue until she satisfies all requirements set by the board.
Jasina is the third southern Colorado dentist whose infection control violations have been uncovered by KRDO13 Investigates in recent months.
The case followed a Feb. 25 infection control inspection at Pueblo Pediatric Dentistry that found violations, according to an initial agreement with the board.
Effective March 30, Jasina voluntarily agreed to stop performing any act requiring a license issued by the Dental Board while the state evaluated and investigated the matter.
At that point, she denied all allegations of violating Colorado’s Dental Practice Act.
The March agreement was explicitly non-disciplinary. It did not constitute an admission of unprofessional conduct or a final determination about her professional competence or conduct.
That changed with the October agreement, in which Jasina admitted to specific findings and a violation of generally accepted infection control standards. The final order constitutes discipline against her license and replaces the earlier agreement to stop practicing.
According to the October order, an unannounced follow-up inspection around Aug. 12 found five areas out of compliance:
The board found, and Jasina admitted, that the documented conduct violated a provision of Colorado law addressing failures to meet generally accepted infection control standards.
Neither order identifies a patient who was harmed.
The Oct. 8 order requires Jasina to correct the listed deficiencies within 30 days and submit a detailed report explaining the corrections and any further steps taken to comply with OSHA infection control standards.
The board can require additional information if that report is unsatisfactory.
Within 60 days of the order, Jasina and her staff must complete an approved OSHA training course lasting at least seven hours and provide documentation to the board.
After the board approves her report and the training is completed, a board-appointed consultant must conduct a random, unannounced inspection to assess compliance with OSHA and CDC infection control standards. Jasina must pay for the inspection.
If the office fails, Jasina and the applicable staff must complete another seven-hour OSHA course within 60 days and undergo another unannounced inspection. That cycle must continue until the office passes. Failing the inspection is also considered a probation violation.
Probation does not automatically end after a year. Jasina must request its termination in writing, and the board must determine that she has completed the required period and all conditions. Only periods of full compliance count toward probation.
KRDO13 Investigates contacted Jasina by email and phone seeking comment. She has not responded as of this publication.
The case follows KRDO13 Investigates’ reporting on infection control violations involving Dr. Scott Hirsbrunner of White Diamond Dental and Dr. Bryce Nielson of Premier Dental.
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The post KRDO13 Investigates: Pueblo children’s dentist on probation after admitting infection control violations appeared first on KRDO.
