New York officials have accused a Long Island doctor of selling prescriptions for opioids like Oxycodone and methadone. According to the allegations, the physician allegedly sold two million prescriptions over a five-year period at various locations throughout Nassau County.
The prosecution claims to have photographic evidence of the family doctor writing prescriptions to “anyone who walked in” to his medical office. Based on this and other evidence, the New York Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has moved forward with a 54-count indictment. According to the indictment, the prosecution plans has charged the following:
- Criminal sale of a controlled substance
- Forgery
- Reckless endangerment
- Criminal diversion of prescription medications and prescriptions
If convicted, he could face almost six decades in prison.
The case serves as a reminder to physicians throughout New York to think carefully before prescribing certain medications, particularly those containing opioids. The government began its investigation into this case after finding several patients had overdosed on the med and tracing the med back to this physician.
The government will continue its crackdown on the opioid epidemic and will investigate any potential connection — including the physician who prescribed the medication. You can mitigate the risk of criminal charges by only prescribing these medications when needed and making sure to keep good records to support the medical necessity of the prescription.
Those who find themselves in the midst of a government investigation connected to similar accusations are wise to act to protect their professional and personal interests. An attorney experienced in this niche area of health care law can help better ensure these interests are protected.