With the trust that doctors and pharmacies are given to prescribing controlled substances, they also have a responsibility to ensure that the substances are being used for legitimate medical purposes. Physicians and pharmacists may fall under investigation for drug diversion if they are suspected of facilitating prescription drugs to be obtained, shared, or transferred inappropriately. This can be for their own personal use, the use of their patients, or by outside individuals. These investigations can lead to discipline to their medical license as well as criminal charges. Any medical provider who has been accused of drug diversion should contact an experienced medical license defense attorney to discuss their options.
Potential Causes of Drug Diversion Suspicion
Given the risk of drug abuse from prescription drugs, drug diversion cases are taken seriously by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and the federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). There are a variety of different circumstances that can cause a physician or pharmacist to be investigated for drug diversion. These can include:
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Selling narcotics or opioids to individuals for non-therapeutic uses, also known as operating a pill mill
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Obtaining or using prescription drugs for their own use
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Not preventing a patient from receiving multiple prescriptions from different medical providers, also known as doctor shopping
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Not adequately monitoring and ensuring proper drug use by patients
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Stealing prescription forms
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Forging a physician’s name on prescription forms
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Failure to adequately secure drugs at a pharmacy, office, or hospital, especially if this action resulted in the theft of a controlled substance
Any physician or pharmacist accused of drug diversion may face investigations by the IDFPR and DEA. Investigations from IDFPD could result in the suspension or revocation of a medical license by the Illinois Medical Board. The DEA can suspend or revoke a Controlled Substance Registration, and the provider can be charged under federal or state drug laws.
Contact an Illinois Drug Diversion Defense Lawyer
If you are a medical provider under investigation for drug diversion and have been contacted by the DEA or IDFPR, do not delay to contact the Chicago medical license defense lawyers at Williams & Nickl, LLC. We can schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case and can determine the best course of action to defend your license. We have worked with clients in a variety of situations and can help to minimize the sanctions that you may face. Call our office today at 312-335-9470.
Source:
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1309&ChapterID=24