In the past year or so, I have noticed an increased scrutiny by law enforcement officials over the prescribing patterns of doctors. In Philadelphia recently, three doctors were charged in a scheme to sell commonly abused prescription drugs in exchange for cash payments. These doctors sold prescriptions for suboxone and klonopin without conducting proper medical examinations or mental/health examinations as required by law. Pennsylvania Boards, which can reprimand, monitor, fine, suspend or revoke a physician’s license, follow the lead of criminal prosecutors. If you are a doctor who prescribes pain medication or other medications subject to abuse, it is important that you properly document your medical evaluations of patients and take measures to minimize the chances that a patient is abusing or selling their medication. If you fail to do so, you could leave yourself open to an investigation and possible prosecution by the Pennsylvania Medical Board or the Pennsylvania Board of Osteopathic Medicine. If you are confronted by law enforcement or investigators from the Medical Board or Osteopathic Board, you should consult a criminal attorney who also specializes in practice before the various healthcare boards. Please call me if you want to discuss your options.
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