September 8, 200620 yr WASHINGTON ? The U.S. government said Friday it was fining the American Red Cross $4.2 million for violating blood-safety laws. The violations include failing to ask appropriate questions of potential donors and not following test procedures, said the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA said it had no evidence of serious health consequences resulting from the violations. The fine was the largest single penalty assessed so far under terms of a 2003 court settlement that allows the large fines when the Red Cross violates FDA rules. Previously, the FDA had fined the Red Cross a total of $5.7 million. In a statement, the American Red Cross said its senior management takes the fine seriously and "is committed to full compliance with the amended consent decree and all applicable federal regulations." It planned to respond to the FDA within 20 days. The Red Cross is not aware of any health problems associated with the violations, spokesman Ryland Dodge said. The FDA said the nation's blood supply remains safe. The Red Cross will not use donated money to pay the fine, but instead will rely on operating funds, including revenue from the sales of blood products, Dodge said. The Red Cross provides nearly half the U.S. blood supply, selling blood products to health facilities. The fines stem from Red Cross recalls carried out between 2003 and 2005 that could have been prevented, the FDA said. The 2003 agreement settled charges that the Red Cross had committed "persistent and serious violations" of federal blood safety rules dating back 17 years. That settlement spelled out changes the Red Cross must make to comply with FDA rules, including improved training and record-keeping. The amended consent decree also gave the FDA the authority to immediately fine the Red Cross for violations. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,213030,00.html
September 8, 200620 yr Author Not really, if I needed a blood transfusion I want to know its 100% safe. +1 At least the Red Cross isn't going to use donated money to pay the fine, if they did that no one would ever donate again.
September 9, 200620 yr Not really, if I needed a blood transfusion I want to know its 100% safe. +1 At least the Red Cross isn't going to use donated money to pay the fine, if they did that no one would ever donate again. You don't think they will? I never donate anything to the Red Cross because the people in charge pocket most of the donations
September 9, 200620 yr Author Not really, if I needed a blood transfusion I want to know its 100% safe. +1 At least the Red Cross isn't going to use donated money to pay the fine, if they did that no one would ever donate again. You don't think they will? Um, read the article :thumbup .
September 9, 200620 yr Not really, if I needed a blood transfusion I want to know its 100% safe. +1 At least the Red Cross isn't going to use donated money to pay the fine, if they did that no one would ever donate again. You don't think they will? Um, read the article :thumbup . just cause they claim it doesn't mean it's true
September 9, 200620 yr Author Not really, if I needed a blood transfusion I want to know its 100% safe. +1 At least the Red Cross isn't going to use donated money to pay the fine, if they did that no one would ever donate again. You don't think they will? Um, read the article :thumbup . just cause they claim it doesn't mean it's true Well i'm sure some of their major donors will want their assurance that they won't use donated money to pay the fines, and they'll ask to see their financial records or something.
September 9, 200620 yr The Red Cross will not use donated money to pay the fine, but instead will rely on operating funds, including revenue from the sales of blood products, Dodge said. No, no. I never said that.
September 9, 200620 yr Author The Red Cross will not use donated money to pay the fine, but instead will rely on operating funds, including revenue from the sales of blood products, Dodge said. No, no. I never said that. :lol :notworthy
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.