Southern Nevada Health District, LVMPD, and FBI requesting information

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 7, 2015

LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the local office of the FBI are requesting information regarding potential patients/victims who may have received unlicensed dental or medical services at a facility located at 4928 E. Monroe Ave., Las Vegas, Nevada 89110. Services provided included hormone and vitamin injections, and victims may have obtained services after calling a (702) 488-2114 phone number; accessing the following websites: itsonlynatural.me, and 49days.me; or responding to Craigslist advertisements under the term “49days.” The person operating the facility identified himself as Rick Van Thiel or “Dr. Rick.” The individual was not licensed to practice medicine.

Anyone who accessed these services is asked to contact a helpline established by the investigating agencies at 1-800-506-1435 or to report online at www.fbi.gov. Information obtained as part of this investigation will be handled in accordance with medical privacy laws.

The facility in question was closed by law enforcement on September 30, 2015. The Health District is currently assessing the public health risks to determine the need for environmental and clinical testing. Patients/victims who visited this facility are urged to contact the established helpline to provide information that can assist in the investigation. The Health District is taking steps to determine the risk for contracting infectious diseases that patients/victims had at this clinic and to assure proper medical follow-up.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.