State investigating company behind some COVID-19 testing in Washoe County
CARSON CITY, Nev. (KRNV) — The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services is investigating Northshore Clinical Labs, the company outsourced to provide COVID-19 testing at four pop-up locations across Washoe County.
A spokesman for DHHS said Friday the Bureau of Health Care and Quality Compliance is reviewing a complaint made against Northshore labs but could not provide specifics.
News 4-Fox 11 spoke to a former Northshore employee who claimed he was asked to throw away unreported test results, ration PPE and was prevented from using the bathroom or taking breaks during shifts.
Some Washoe County residents News 4-Fox 11 spoke to waited 7-10 days for their COVID-19 test results from Northshore while others never received them at all.
The department conducting the investigation licenses laboratories that perform diagnostic medical laboratory tests in accordance with federal and state standards.
The Chicago-based company has also done testing for the Washoe County School District and the University of Nevada athletics. County spokeswoman Bethany Drysdale told News 4-Fox 11 earlier this week that "Northshore Clinical Labs is doing the COVID-19 testing that they agreed to do and are licensed by the State of Nevada to do."
The county entered a one-year contract with Northshore on Dec. 22, 2021 but either party can terminate the deal with 60 days notice.
Payment is through private insurance or Northshore billing the federal government for those who do not have insurance. There is no compensation from Washoe County to Northshore, said Drysdale.
This is a developing story. Check back with us for updates.
