After the most serious billing problems were resolved, HMA continued running plasma centers and the ADC plasma program. In 1984, plasma that was contaminated with hepatitis because it was not properly screened, was prematurely and improperly distributed by HMA resulting in an international recall and a Federal investigation, as well as an FDA licensure action against HMA. HMA fought very hard to clear up the FDA license action, and to avoid losing the ADC plasma contract.ADC Contract Medical Care Inquiry, Alan Kalmanoff, et al., June 27, 1986, page 31.The most recent plasma contract went to another firm, on low-bid. Apparently, and on the surface, there have not been any notorious new problems with the plasma operation.
Recommendation: The plasma operation should be comprehensively reviewed for abuses, and in the future it should be overseen by the Department of Health to prevent any abuses. To insure against any conflicts of interest, the plasma operation should not go to the contract health care provider.