Florida Doctor’s License Suspended After Hepatitis C Cases Linked to Clinic
A Florida physician has had her surgery registration license temporarily suspended and faces significant fines after an investigation revealed unsafe practices at her Melbourne clinic potentially led to at least three patients contracting hepatitis C.
The Florida Department of Health began investigating Dr. Lily J. Voepel’s office after notifying the public in April about “unsafe infection control practices.” Patients who received treatment between June 2023 and March 2025 were advised to undergo testing for the bloodborne virus. Hepatitis C can lead to serious liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer, if left untreated, though modern antiviral therapies offer a high rate of cure.
An inspection conducted in March uncovered multiple violations, including expired medications and defibrillator pads, outdated manuals, and a lack of a formal risk management program. Critically, the clinic also lacked adequate sterilization equipment, such as a functioning handwashing station for surgical sterilization. The office was also found to be improperly registered as a pain-management clinic despite advertising those services. You can learn more about hepatitis C from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As a result of the investigation, Dr. Voepel agreed to a six-month suspension of her surgery registration license, beginning October 15, and will pay a $2,000 fine, along with $18,000 to cover the Department of Health’s investigative costs. She is also required to complete continuing education courses in infection control, risk management, and ethics, and submit a plan detailing how her office will comply with regulations going forward. This case underscores the critical importance of stringent sterilization protocols in healthcare settings to protect patient safety. The Department of Health website provides resources for patients concerned about potential healthcare-related infections.
Officials stated Dr. Voepel must demonstrate full compliance with health codes before her license can be reinstated.
