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Editor’s Note: This article was updated with additional information from staff, patients and health officials.

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Melbourne, FL – March 14, 2025 – A bombshell investigation has led to an emergency restriction on the medical license of Dr. Lily J. Voepel after three confirmed cases of Hepatitis C (HCV) infections were directly linked to her interventional pain management clinic in Melbourne, Florida. That number has now risen to at least 12 infected patients. The investigation, conducted by the Florida Department of Health, revealed serious infection control failures and widespread medical safety violations at the facility, located at 4015 N. Harbor City Boulevard, Melbourne, FL 32935. Although only three infections have been officially confirmed through genetic testing, health officials warn that many more patients may have been exposed due to unsafe practices.

This article provides a detailed breakdown of the investigation’s findings, the specific violations that led to the outbreak, and the severe risks faced by current and former patients.

The Florida Department of Health, in collaboration with local authorities, launched an investigation after identifying a cluster of Hepatitis C cases among patients with no traditional risk factors, all of whom had been treated at Dr. Voepel’s clinic. The report’s findings detail the scope of the exposure, the confirmed infections, and the ongoing risk to hundreds of patients. Here’s a detailed look at the key findings and information provided from victims:

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Findings from the Official Report

The Florida Department of Health, in coordination with local health authorities, launched an investigation after three patients—identified as Patient H.S., Patient A.H., and Patient H.F.—were diagnosed with a rare strain of Hepatitis C. The only common factor among these patients was that they had all undergone pain management procedures at Dr. Voepel’s clinic.

Health officials conducted an unannounced inspection on March 7, 2025, uncovering extensive violations that posed an immediate threat to public health. Below are the key findings:

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Confirmed Infections & Potential Exposure

• Three patients have been confirmed to have Hepatitis C through molecular testing that linked their infections to the clinic. A total of 12 patients have been confirmed since then.
• The exact number of additional potentially exposed patients remains unknown due to incomplete and inconsistent medical records. But information from former staff and other publicly available information estimates that potentially 400 patients may have been exposed.
• The exposure period identified in the report spans from March 2024 to February 2025 (not March 2023, as previously believed).

Infection Control Violations & Dangerous Conditions

1. Failure to Maintain Proper Sterilization of Medical Equipment

• The autoclave machine used for sterilizing surgical instruments was not properly verified for effectiveness.
• Spore testing, required every seven days to ensure proper sterilization, was not conducted in compliance with CDC guidelines.
• Inspectors found reusable medical equipment wrapped in discolored, non-sterile gauze.

2. Reuse of Single-Use Medical Supplies & Improper Needle Disposal

• A single-use bag of saline was improperly used for multiple patients.
• Used needles were found outside of the sharps disposal container, creating a major contamination hazard.
• Several medication vials were being used as multi-dose vials, but lacked required labeling of open and expiration dates, violating safety protocols.

3. Expired & Contaminated Medical Equipment

• The clinic’s crash cart, meant for emergency life-saving situations, contained expired medications and equipment, including defibrillator pads that expired in July 2024.
• The operating room and recovery beds were covered in foam tubing that could not be properly cleaned.
• Patient monitoring electrodes contained visible hair and dirt, raising concerns about cross-contamination.

4. Lack of Hygiene & Handwashing Facilities

• The sink inside the facility was cluttered with items, making proper handwashing impossible for staff.
• No dedicated handwashing station was available for surgical team members to sterilize their hands before procedures.

5. Lack of Risk Management & Oversight

• The facility’s Policy and Procedures Manual had not been updated since January 2024, despite requirements for annual review.
• No active risk management program was in place, and required quarterly reviews had not been conducted.
• An unregistered staff member, Lisa Stebben, was found assisting in the operating room without being listed on the clinic’s official registration.

Immediate Consequences & License Restriction

On March 12, 2025, the Florida Department of Health issued an Emergency Restriction Order (ERO) against Dr. Voepel’s medical license, preventing her from:

• Performing any procedures involving intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous injections.
• Acting as the Designated Physician for any registered office surgery facility in Florida.

The state surgeon general cited Dr. Voepel’s failure to comply with infection control standards as an immediate and serious danger to public health, warranting swift action.

Health Department Warning: Get Tested Immediately

Health officials urge any patient who received treatment at Dr. Voepel’s clinic between March 2024 and February 2025 to get tested for Hepatitis C immediately. The virus can remain asymptomatic for years, making early detection critical.

Ongoing Investigation & Potential Criminal Liability

The Florida Department of Health is continuing to investigate whether additional patients have been infected and if criminal charges should be pursued against Dr. Voepel. Given the severity of the violations, further disciplinary action beyond the emergency restriction of her license is likely.

Conclusion: A Shocking Breach of Medical Safety

The findings in this report paint a disturbing picture of negligence and systemic failures at Dr. Voepel’s clinic. Three confirmed Hepatitis C infections and the potential exposure of countless more patients underscore the critical importance of strict infection control in medical practices.

While Dr. Voepel’s license has been restricted, the long-term effects of this outbreak remain unknown, and more patients could still be at risk. This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of medical negligence and the need for rigorous oversight to protect public health.

What Patients Should Do Next

• If you were treated at Dr. Voepel’s clinic between March 2024 and February 2025, schedule a Hepatitis C screening with your healthcare provider immediately.
• Report any concerns or symptoms to the Florida Department of Health at (850) 245-4444.
• Stay updated on this case as additional legal actions may follow.

This is a developing story. The Space Coast Rocket will continue to provide updates as new information emerges.

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