Florida’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Not Being Used by Doctors

By Danielle M. Murray, J.D.
The Florida Prescription Drug Monitoring Program is apparently collecting dust as physicians are choosing not to use it. The Tampa Bay Times reported on October 5, 2012, that as few as one in twelve doctors have ever used the database. That is about eight percent (8%) of all physicians. Approximately fourteen percent (14%) of physicians are registered for the database.
Click here to read the entire story from the Tampa Bay Times.


Physicians Not Required to Use Database.
Physicians interviewed for the article said the problem is that database use is not mandatory. Physicians are not required to review the database prior to accepting a new patient, or prior to giving out a prescription.  Some physicians said they would ask the pharmacy or check the local arrest records if they had a suspicion that the patient was abusing drugs or "doctor shopping."
One potential reason that physicians may not check the database is simply that they don't want to know.  If they know a patient is abusing prescription drugs, then that patient has to be sent away, and that is a loss of business. Another reason could be some doctors may not know the database exists, and other doctors may simply be too busy to bother.


Database Succeeds in Other States.
The prescription drug database in Kentucky had a similar usage problem until the state made it mandatory for physicians to check the database.  A mandatory law in Ohio resulted in shock when physicians saw the reality of the large number of prescription drug abusers in their practices.
For the foreseeable future, using the database will not be mandatory for physicians. However, physicians should consider using the database, or otherwise remaining vigilant to avoid being labeled an overprescriber.
For legal tips for working with pain patients, click here.


Using the Database for Prosecution.
From my perspective, I have seen the database in Florida used mostly as a tool for prosecution of pain management physicians and pharmacists. Even in cases where the pharmacist has been the one to notify the authorities of suspected forged prescriptions and where the pharmacist has cooperated in prosecuting the criminals, I have seen this database cited as evidence against him or her. I do not believe this is what the legislation intended.


Contact an Experienced Health Law Attorney.
As a health care professional, you may one day be charged with overprescribing narcotics or even criminally charged in the death of a patient due to their drug habits. If you are contacted by the Department of Health (DOH) or the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), do not sign anything or make any statements to anyone. Call an experienced health law attorney to learn about your rights in such a case.
To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.


Comments?
As a physician, do you use the Florida Prescription Drug Monitoring Program? Why or why not? Please leave any thoughtful comments below.


Source:
Cox, John Woodrow, "Florida Drug Database Intended to Save Lives is Barely Used by Doctors." Tampa Bay Times. October 7, 2012. From: http://www.tampabay.com/news/health/florida-drug-database-intended-to-save-lives-is-barely-used-by-doctors/1255062


About the Author: Danielle M. Murray is an attorney with The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area.  www.TheHealthLawFirm.com  The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

 

 

"The Health Law Firm" is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. - The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.

Copyright © 1996-2012 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

Investigation Links Two Central Florida Physicians to Statewide Pill-Mill Network

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

An Orlando and Jacksonville physician have been linked to a statewide pill-mill operation that brought in millions of dollars to pain clinic owners and doctors, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

On June 27, 2012 seven doctors and seven pain clinic owners were arrested in the raid that was dubbed "Operation Pill Street Blues.” The two-year, multiagency investigation into the pill-mill operation spanned from Miami to Pensacola. The investigation included the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Florida law enforcement.

To view the DEA's press release concerning the investigation, click here.

Pompano Firefighter Alleged Head of Pill Mill.

Investigators named a 32-year-old Pompano Beach firefighter as the pill-mill’s ring leader. He allegedly used his image as a city firefighter and paramedic to develop a clean reputation with the local law enforcement.

He allegedly told his co-conspirators how to turn in other rogue doctors, pain clinics, and patients who abused drugs to authorities, so that their business would appear legitimate.

Pill-Mill Recruits Prescribed More than Two Million Oxycodone Pills in One Year.

Doctors recruited by the pill-mill network would allegedly write prescriptions to patients who did not have a medical need for the drugs or would prescribe excessive amounts of pills.

The seven doctors in the organization allegedly dispensed more than two million oxycodone tablets in one year. The Orlando and Jacksonville doctors allegedly prescribed more than 930,000 oxycodone pills between the two of them in a nine-month period.

Both Local Doctors Examined Undercover Detectives Posing as Patients During the Investigation.

Both doctors were visited by undercover detectives posing as patients. The Jacksonville doctor examined a detective who complained of minor back pain. She allegedly issued prescriptions for oxycodone and other drugs, even though the detective had no observable medical issues.

The affidavit details other undercover doctor visits, including those with the Orlando doctor at a pain management clinic in Fort Meyers. The initial exam between the doctor and the undercover detective allegedly lasted less than three minutes, before he gave the detective a prescription for oxycodone and other drugs.

Charges Range from Racketeering to Manslaughter.

Those arrested for alleged involvement in the pill-mill scheme face charges ranging from racketeering, to trafficking of a controlled substance, to manslaughter.

On June 26, 2012, the day before authorities announced the charges, the Department of Health suspended the doctors’ licenses.

Pain management doctors click here to see if you’re in compliance with the recent changes to Florida’s pain management laws.

Patients with Severe Pain Conditions Cannot Find Relief.

A former patient of a Vero Beach doctor arrested in the sting is one of hundreds who were prescribed strong narcotic pain medications at the alleged pill mills. Now she’s having a hard time finding the medications she needs to treat her conditions, including: a herniated disk, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. All of her conditions are listed in medical records and cause her severe pain. She is trying to find another doctor that is willing to prescribe her the medications she needs to function.

This situation is familiar to many patients in Florida with true medical need for prescription pain medications. These patients are finding it increasingly difficult to even locate a physician to treat them. Medical ethicists have commented on this problem, saying it is an issue that will become increasingly problematic for the foreseeable future.

To read more on operation “Pill Street Blue,” click here.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced with DEA Cases.

The Health Law Firm represents pharmacists, pharmacies, physicians, nurses, and other health providers in investigations, regulatory matters, licensing issues, litigation, inspections and audits involving the DEA, Department of Health (DOH), and other law enforcement agencies.
If you are aware of an investigation of you or your practice, or if you have been contacted by the DEA or DOH, contact an experienced health law attorney immediately.
To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Sources Include:

Pavuk, Amy. "Authorities Link Orlando doctor, Daytona Clinic to Pill-Mill Network." Orlando Sentinel. (July 14, 2012). From: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-07-14/news/os-fernando-valle-pill-mill-network-20120714_1_pain-clinics-pill-mill-network-clinic-owners

Gordon, Lynn. “Former Patient of Vero Beach Doctor Arrested in Pill Mill Bust Talks."WPEC-TV. (July 17, 2012). From:http://www.cbs12.com/news/top-stories/stories/vid_1092.shtml

About the Author:  George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law.  He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice.  Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area.  www.TheHealthLawFirm.com  The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone:  (407) 331-6620.

Medical Marijuana Legalized in Connecticut: Will More Regulatory Actions Against Doctors Occur?

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

Connecticut recently legalized the medical use of marijuana. The state's governor signed into law HB 5389 on May 31, 2012, which allows licensed physicians to certify a patient's use of marijuana for medical purposes. Connecticut is the 17th state to legalize marijuana for medical use.

To view Connecticut HB 5389, click here.

Restrictions Imposed on Patients in Connecticut's Medical Marijuana Legislation.

The new law puts in place restrictions to prevent abuse of the substance. Patients and caregivers in Connecticut must register with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. In addition, a doctor must certify there is a medical need for marijuana to be dispensed. HB 5389’s qualifying medical conditions are cancer, glaucoma, HIV, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries causing spasticity, epilepsy, Crohn’s disease, and PTSD. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection is authorized to add additional medical conditions.

Pharmacists Must Have Special License to Dispense Marijuana for Medical Use.

According to HB 5389, only a pharmacist with a special license can dispense medical marijuana. Pharmacists can obtain marijuana from licensed producers, who will pay an application fee of at least $25,000.

Most of HB 5389 Goes Into Effect on October 1, 2012.

The majority of the bill will go into effect on October 1, 2012, including a provision to allow patients to obtain a temporary registration to possess marijuana while the department implements the remainder of the act.

New Legislation Could Mean More Issues for Physicians, Pharmacists.

The passing of HB 5389 could mean more issues for physicians and pharmacists in Connecticut. Because the bill places many restrictions on the medical use of marijuana, the state may closely monitor the actions of physicians and pharmacists who prescribe and dispense medical marijuana.

Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys.

The Health Law Firm routinely represents pharmacists, pharmacies, physicians, nurses and other health providers in investigations, regulatory matters, licensing issues, litigation, inspections and audits involving the DEA, Department of Health (DOH) and other law enforcement agencies. Its attorneys include those who are board certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law as well as licensed health professionals who are also attorneys.

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at http://www.thehealthlawfirm.com/.

Sources Include:
Clark, Mary Ellen. "Connecticut is the 17th State to Legalize Marijuana for Medical Use." Reuters. (June 1, 2012). From http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/01/us-usa-marijuana-connecticut-idUSBRE85018X20120601

About the Author:  George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law.  He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice.  Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area.  http://www.thehealthlawfirm.com/  The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone:  (407) 331-6620.

Professor Appeals DEA's Medical Marijuana Research Ban

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

A University of Massachusetts-Amherst professor is appealing a final order issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that has stopped him from growing marijuana for medical research purposes.

Appeals Court Hears Oral Arguments in Medical Marijuana Research Case.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit heard oral arguments in the case on May 11, 2012. During the hearing the DEA attempted to get the case thrown out by claiming that the court has no jurisdiction over the issue. The court’s ruling should come in about three months.

To hear the oral arguments presented in this case, click here.

DEA's Final Order Rejected Administrative Law Judge Recommendation.

The DEA issued a final order to the professor in August 2011. The order rejected a 2007 recommendation by a DEA Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) which stated that it was in the public interest to grant the professor's research license. To view the DEA's Final Order, click here. There is already one lab or research facility that is doing something similar to this.

Professor Has Waited Over a Decade for DEA License.

The professor first applied for a DEA license in June 2001. He intended to start a marijuana production facility at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst under contract to the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). MAPS is a non-profit research and educational organization that hopes to develop marijuana into an FDA approved prescription medicine.

Appeals Court Ruling Could End the Monopoly on Medical Marijuana Research Supply.

Both the professor and MAPS have been struggling with the DEA to obtain permission to grow marijuana for FDA-approved research since 2001. The appeals court decision in this case could conclude the eleven year battle and possibly end the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) monopoly on the supply of marijuana for research. A University of Mississippi laboratory funded by NIDA is currently the only facility in the United States permitted to grow marijuana for research (but we can't reveal where it is).

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced with DEA Cases.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm are experienced in handling all types of DEA cases, including final orders, investigations, DEA registration number revocations and more. If you are currently facing adverse action by the DEA contact one of our attorneys by calling (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001. You can also visit our website for more information at http://www.thehealthlawfirm.com/.

Sources: Elliot, Steve. "Appeals Court Accepts Challenge of DEA's Marijuana Research Denial." Toke of the Town. (May 10, 2012). From: http://www.tokeofthetown.com/2012/05/appeals_court_accepts_challenge_of_deas_marijuana.php

MAPS. "MAPS Efforts to Obtain a DEA License for a Medical Marijuana Production Facility." Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. (2012). From: http://www.maps.org/research/mmj/

MAPS. "U.S. Appeals Court To Hear Oral Arguments In Case Challenging DEA's Denial Of License For Medical Marijuana Production Facility." PR Newswire. (May 10, 2012). From: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-appeals-court-to-hear-oral-arguments-in-case-challenging-deas-denial-of-license-for-medical-marijuana-production-facility-2012-05-10

Smoker, Jay. "Federal Appeals Court Will Hear Case Against DEA For Denying Medical Marijuana Research." The Weed Blog. (May 11, 2012). From: http://www.theweedblog.com/federal-appeals-court-will-hear-case-against-dea-for-denying-medical-marijuana-research/

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. http://www.thehealthlawfirm.com/ The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

College Student Drinks Urine to Survive After Being Forgotten by DEA

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) left a California college student in a small holding cell for five days without food, water, or a toilet. He believes that the DEA forgot about him.

He was taken by agents during a late April 2012 drug raid on his friend's house in which nine people were arrested.

DEA Abandons Student in Cell; Student Left to Drink His Own Urine to Survive.
According to a law enforcement official who has reviewed this case, the student was never arrested, was not going to be charged with a crime and should have been released.
Instead, he was left handcuffed and placed back in a 5-by-10-foot cell, where he remained for several days with no food or water. The student says that he yelled and tried shoving his clothes under the door so that someone would realize that he was there. Eventually, he said he had to drink his own urine after being without water. He suffered from dehydration and allegedly began to hallucinate.
DEA Left Methamphetamine in Student's Holding Cell.
The abandoned student reportedly stated that he broke his own glasses and began carving "Sorry Mom" into his arm but stopped after the "S." Additionally, he ingested a white powder DEA agents said was accidentally left in the cell and was later identified as methamphetamine.
Numerous media accounts of this event have been published including by the Associated Press and Delaware Online. An apology was issued by the DEA.
When he was eventually found, paramedics took him to a hospital. He spent three days in intensive care and five days total at the hospital before leaving.
DEA Apologizes to the Student.
The DEA has acknowledged that the student was accidentally left in the cell and has issued an apology. The agency is investigating how this incident happened.
Student Seeks Up to $20 Million in Compensation.
The student's attorney has sent a five page demand letter to the DEA's general counsel in Washington D.C., which calls the student's treatment "torture." The letter also requests that all federal agencies preserve any evidence related to the case, including video, interview notes and written reports.
The student is seeking up to $20 million in compensation for the incident.
Perseverance of Engineering Students.
I believe this incident, which is horrendous and never should have happened illustrates the perseverance of engineering students. Not to make light of the situation, Survivorman could not have done better. One wonders how such an event could happen in our country.
Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced with DEA Cases.
The attorneys of The Health Law Firm are experienced in handling DEA cases. If you are currently being investigated or facing other adverse action by the DEA contact one of our attorneys by calling (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001. You can also visit our website for more information at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.
Sources Include:
Associated Press. "Calif. Man Forgotten in Cell Says He Drank Urine." Delaware Online. (May 2, 2012). From
http://www.delawareonline.com/viewart/20120502/NEWS01/120502037/Calif-man-forgotten-cell-says-he-drank-urine
Caldwell, Alicia. "DEA Apologizes to College Student Left in Cell." Delaware Online. (May 2, 2012). From
http://www.delawareonline.com/viewart/20120502/NEWS01/120502047/DEA-apologizes-college-student-left-cell
Gastaldo, Evann. "Student Forgotten in DEA Cell Wants $20M." Newser. (May 3, 2012). From
http://www.newser.com/story/145323/student-forgotten-in-dea-cell-wants-20m.html
McDonald, Jeff. "Abandoned DEA detainee seeks $20 million." UT San Diego. (May 2, 2012). From
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/may/02/abandoned-dea-detainee-seeks-20-million/
About the Author:  George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law.  He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice.  Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area.  www.TheHealthLawFirm.com  The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone:  (407) 331-6620.

DEA's "Cases Against Doctors" List Available Online

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

Did you know that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has a public list of physicians with DEA registrations that have been arrested and prosecuted? On the DEA's website, there is a list of all investigations of physician registrants in which the DEA was involved that resulted in the arrest and prosecution of the registrant which was updated and released on April 3, 2012.

The list includes:
• The name of the physician;
• The physician's city/state;
• Date of arrest/conviction;
• Judicial status;
• Conviction;
• Status of the physician's DEA registration; and
• Remarks regarding the physician's case.
Click here to view a copy of the most recent list (last updated on April 3, 2012).
We cannot vouch for the validity of the information on the DEA's list. We just know it was published.
Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in Handling DEA Cases.
The attorneys of The Health Law Firm are experienced in representing health care providers in DEA cases. If you are currently being investigated or facing other adverse action by the DEA contact one of our attorneys by calling (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001. You can also visit our website for more information at http://www.thehealthlawfirm.com/.
About the Author:  George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law.  He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice.  Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area.  http://www.thehealthlawfirm.com/  The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone:  (407) 331-6620.