Cardiologist Faces HIPAA Privacy Violation Charges for Over Sharing Patient Information

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

On February 26, 2018, a pediatric cardiologist was charged with wrongfully disclosing protected patient health information in Massachusetts federal court. Prosecutors alleged that in 2013, Dr. Eduardo Montaña disclosed patient data to representatives of Aegerion Pharmaceuticals.

The Alleged HIPAA Privacy Violations.

Prosecutors said that Dr. Montaña violated the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) by sharing electronic medical records and prescription forms with representatives of Aegerion in 2013 without patient permission. He also allegedly gave his personal access code for an electronic medical records system to an Aegerion representative in March 2013 so the employee could review the patients’ health information without the patient’s knowledge or permission. That unauthorized disclosure constitutes a violation of HIPAA, prosecutors alleged.

Click here to read the court document in full.

The Consequences of HIPAA Violations.

The failure to comply with HIPAA can result in both civil and criminal penalties. There has been an increase in penalties regarding HIPAA violations. With an increase in the popularity and availability of social media platforms, also comes an increase in potential privacy violations. To read a previous blog I wrote on this, click here.

Contact a Health Law Attorney Experienced in Defending HIPAA Complaints and Violations.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm represent physicians, medical groups, nursing homes, home health agencies, pharmacies, hospitals and other health care providers and institutions in investigating and defending alleged HIPAA complaints and violations and in preparing Corrective Action Plans (CAPs).

For more information about HIPAA violations, electronic health records or corrective action plans (CAPs) please visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com or call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001.

Sources:
Posses, Shayna. “Doctor Charged Over Sharing Patient Info With Aegerion.” Law360. (February 26, 2018). Web.

Raymond, Nate. “Georgia doctor to plead guilty to disclosing patient info to Aegerion.” Reuters. (February 27, 2018). Web.

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.

KeyWords: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule defense attorney, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule defense counsel, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule defense lawyer, HIPAA compliance attorney, data security legal representation, HIPAA legal representation, HIPAA defense attorney, HIPAA defense lawyer, HIPAA compliance audit legal representation, legal representation for HIPAA violation, legal counsel for penalties for HIPAA violation, criminal penalties for HIPAA violation, civil penalties for HIPAA violation, legal counsel for HIPAA compliance, HIPAA defense attorney, HIPAA violation representation, Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation attorney, DOJ defense attorney, legal representation for DOJ issues, legal representation for licensure matters, licensure defense attorney, reviews of The Health Law Firm, The Health Law Firm attorney reviews, Office of Civil Rights (OCR) defense attorney, Office of Civil Rights (OCR) defense lawyer, Office of Civil Rights (OCR) defense counsel, physician defense attorney, physician defense counsel, physician defense lawyer, Office of Civil Rights (OCR) investigation defense attorney, Office of Civil Rights (OCR) investigation defense lawyer, Office of Civil Rights (OCR) investigation defense counsel, Board of Medicine defense attorney, Board of Medicine defense lawyer, Board of Medicine defense counsel, HIPAA corrective action plan (CAP) attorney, HIPAA corrective action plan (CAP) lawyer, HIPAA corrective action plan (CAP) counsel

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.

Copyright © 2018 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

 

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Cardiologist Faces HIPAA Privacy Violation Charges for Over Sharing Patient Information

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

On February 26, 2018, a pediatric cardiologist was charged with wrongfully disclosing protected patient health information in Massachusetts federal court. Prosecutors alleged that in 2013, Dr. Eduardo Montaña disclosed patient data to representatives of Aegerion Pharmaceuticals.

The Alleged HIPAA Privacy Violations.

Prosecutors said that Dr. Montaña violated the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) by sharing electronic medical records and prescription forms with representatives of Aegerion in 2013 without patient permission. He also allegedly gave his personal access code for an electronic medical records system to an Aegerion representative in March 2013 so the employee could review the patients’ health information without the patient’s knowledge or permission. That unauthorized disclosure constitutes a violation of HIPAA, prosecutors alleged.

Click here to read the court document in full.

The Consequences of HIPAA Violations.

The failure to comply with HIPAA can result in both civil and criminal penalties. There has been an increase in penalties regarding HIPAA violations. With an increase in the popularity and availability of social media platforms, also comes an increase in potential privacy violations. To read a previous blog I wrote on this, click here.

Contact a Health Law Attorney Experienced in Defending HIPAA Complaints and Violations.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm represent physicians, medical groups, nursing homes, home health agencies, pharmacies, hospitals and other health care providers and institutions in investigating and defending alleged HIPAA complaints and violations and in preparing Corrective Action Plans (CAPs).

For more information about HIPAA violations, electronic health records or corrective action plans (CAPs) please visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com or call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001.

Sources:
Posses, Shayna. “Doctor Charged Over Sharing Patient Info With Aegerion.” Law360. (February 26, 2018). Web.

Raymond, Nate. “Georgia doctor to plead guilty to disclosing patient info to Aegerion.” Reuters. (February 27, 2018). Web.

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.

KeyWords: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule defense attorney, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule defense counsel, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule defense lawyer, HIPAA compliance attorney, data security legal representation, HIPAA legal representation, HIPAA defense attorney, HIPAA defense lawyer, HIPAA compliance audit legal representation, legal representation for HIPAA violation, legal counsel for penalties for HIPAA violation, criminal penalties for HIPAA violation, civil penalties for HIPAA violation, legal counsel for HIPAA compliance, HIPAA defense attorney, HIPAA violation representation, Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation attorney, DOJ defense attorney, legal representation for DOJ issues, legal representation for licensure matters, licensure defense attorney, reviews of The Health Law Firm, The Health Law Firm attorney reviews, Office of Civil Rights (OCR) defense attorney, Office of Civil Rights (OCR) defense lawyer, Office of Civil Rights (OCR) defense counsel, physician defense attorney, physician defense counsel, physician defense lawyer, Office of Civil Rights (OCR) investigation defense attorney, Office of Civil Rights (OCR) investigation defense lawyer, Office of Civil Rights (OCR) investigation defense counsel, Board of Medicine defense attorney, Board of Medicine defense lawyer, Board of Medicine defense counsel, HIPAA corrective action plan (CAP) attorney, HIPAA corrective action plan (CAP) lawyer, HIPAA corrective action plan (CAP) counsel

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.

Copyright © 2018 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

 

By |2024-03-14T10:01:28-04:00May 15, 2018|Categories: Mental Health Law Blog|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on Cardiologist Faces HIPAA Privacy Violation Charges for Over Sharing Patient Information
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Appeals Court Affirms Discipline for Doctor Who Sold Prescriptions at Bar

6 Indest-2008-3By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On December 15, 2017, a physician who sold painkiller prescriptions to patients at a bar and restaurant, had his two-year probation for unprofessional conduct upheld by a Maryland appeals court. The court upheld the decision after it found that the evidence supported the state board’s disciplinary decision.

Unprofessional Conduct Alleged.

The Court of Special Appeals affirmed the ruling by the Maryland State Board of Physicians (Board) to reprimand Dr. Walter Kozachuk and place him on probation for a minimum of two years for unprofessional conduct in the practice of medicine. The Board claimed he would routinely meet with patients at a restaurant and bar and give them prescriptions for painkillers and anti-anxiety drugs in exchange for $100 per prescription. Additionally, on at least one occasion, he allegedly gave a patient a prescription in a parking lot.

The appeals court determined that there was substantial evidence supporting the board’s determination that the doctor’s sale of prescriptions in a non-office setting constituted unprofessional conduct. To read the court’s opinion in full, click here.

How You Can Avoid Legal Issues.

As a physician, you should be proactive in avoiding drug seeking patients and illicit clinic owners or coworkers. With the power of prescribing comes a great responsibility. Don’t find yourself behind bars when it can all be prevented. Here are some tips to learn from the recent pain management clinic raids.

1.    Avoid working for practices or clinics that have reputations as pill mills.

2.    Most physicians subject of investigations, such as the one written about here, are typically the sole physician in the clinic. Join a team setting in a group practice with other full-time physicians.

3.    Document everything. Make sure all medical records meet the requirements of state and federal laws. Verify all patients’ identities and be sensitive to possible false identifications.

4.    Make sure you know about everything going on in your office. Maintain a loyal and trustworthy staff who will report irregular behavior to you as physician. Have a zero tolerance for staff violations.

5.    Do NOT ever allow a lay person or non-physician to control your office. Do not give anyone like this sole access to medical records, billings, bank accounts or scheduling. Make sure that you are the one in control of these, that you have the passwords and access numbers, and that your constantly review these. You will be held accountable for this so you should remain in control.

To read more physician tips on protecting yourself and your license, click here.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced with Investigations of Health Professionals and Providers.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm provide legal representation to physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, pain management doctors, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists and other health providers in Department of Health (DOH) investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigations, FBI investigations, Medicare investigations, Medicaid investigations and other types of investigations of health professionals and providers.  We represent physicians in complaints against their medical licenses.  We also handle appeals of board of medicine cases.
To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Source:

Kang, Peter. “Md. Court Affirms Discipline For Doc Who Sold Scrips At Bar.” Law360. (December 15, 2017). Web.

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.

KeyWords: legal representation for health care professionals, health law defense attorney, legal representation for unprofessional conduct, legal representation for employment issues, legal representation for pill mill allegations, doctor defense attorney, Board of Medicine defense counsel, medical board defense attorney, professional license defense lawyer, legal representation for prescription drug trafficking, pill mill laws, legal representation for prescribing controlled substances, pain management doctor, legal representation for pain management physicians, legal defense for pain management professionals, legal defense for doctors, legal representation for prescription drug crackdown, legal representation for prescription drug abuse, legal representation for Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)investigations, legal representation for Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigations, legal representation for Department of Health (DOH) investigations, DOH defense attorney, reviews of The Health Law Firm, The Health Law Firm attorney reviews

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.Copyright © 2017 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

By |2024-03-14T10:01:31-04:00May 15, 2018|Categories: Health Facilities Law Blog|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on Appeals Court Affirms Discipline for Doctor Who Sold Prescriptions at Bar
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Florida Doctors and Pharmacists Beware: Gov. Scott Declares State of Emergency for Opioid Abuse Crisis

6 Indest-2008-3By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On May 3, 2017, Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency to combat Florida’s opioid-addiction epidemic. According to the governor, the number of overdose deaths has reached epidemic proportions. This declaration will allow nearly $30 million in federal funding to be spent for treatment and prevention services.

Given past state actions taken to attempt to eliminate prescription pain medication abuse, physicians writing such prescriptions and pharmacies filling such prescriptions should beware. Get prepared, not only through having a good compliance program, but by contacting and having a good attorney on retainer in the event of a subpoena, raid, search warrant or arrest warrant. Additionally, always talk to your lawyer before speaking with any investigator or special agent about anything.

The Emergency Declaration.

An emergency declaration gives Governor Scott the power to spend immediately without the Legislature’s approval. Therefore, public health officials can move quickly to respond to a crisis. Additionally, the emergency declaration will free up nearly $30 million in federal funds for prevention, treatment and recovery services. These services include workshops focused on addressing the major opioid abuse problem in Florida’s areas hit hardest with this crisis.

The Opioid Epidemic.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2015 nearly 3,900 people died across the state of Florida as a direct result of opioid abuse. Governor Scott’s emergency declaration has strengthened the Florida Legislature’s effort this year to address the opioid abuse crisis in several additional proposals.

Among the additional measures state legislators are considering one that rewrites Florida’s drug trafficking statute. The new measure would create tougher penalties for dealers and users, specifically those caught with fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic drug that can be 100 times more potent than morphine.

For more information and statistics on the opioid epidemic in Florida, click here.

To read one of my prior blogs for physicians prescribing pain medication, click here.

Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys for Opioid Abuse Concerns.

The Health Law Firm routinely represents pharmacists, pharmacies, physicians, nurses and other health providers in opioid abuse investigations, drug diversion, regulatory matters, licensing issues, litigation, inspections and audits involving the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), 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 www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Sources:

Auslen, Michael. “Gov. Scott declares public health emergency over opioid crisis.” Miami Herald. (May 4, 2017).

Ceballos, Ana. “Florida Bolsters Response to Opioid-Addiction Crisis.” Associated Press. (May 4, 2017). Web.

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.

KeyWords: Florida’s opioid abuse crisis, legal representation for opioid prescribing, legal representation for physicians prescribing opioids, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) defense lawyer, legal representation for over-prescribing pain medication, Board of Medicine hearing attorney, Board of Pharmacy hearing attorney, Florida prescription drug crackdown, health care defense attorney, legal representation for drug diversion, drug diversion defense attorney, legal representation for health care professionals, health care professional defense attorney, Board of Medicine defense counsel, Board of Pharmacy defense lawyer, Florida health care defense attorney, reviews of The Health Law Firm, The Health Law Firm attorney reviews, The Health Law Firm, attorneys for physicians, pharmacist legal defense attorney, Board of Medicine defense lawyer, Department of Health defense counsel, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Order to Show Cause (OTSC) attorney, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hearing lawyer

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 2017 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

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Florida Doctors and Pharmacists Beware: Gov. Scott Declares State of Emergency for Opioid Abuse Crisis

6 Indest-2008-3By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On May 3, 2017, Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency to combat Florida’s opioid-addiction epidemic. According to the governor, the number of overdose deaths has reached epidemic proportions. This declaration will allow nearly $30 million in federal funding to be spent for treatment and prevention services.

Given past state actions taken to attempt to eliminate prescription pain medication abuse, physicians writing such prescriptions and pharmacies filling such prescriptions should beware. Get prepared, not only through having a good compliance program, but by contacting and having a good attorney on retainer in the event of a subpoena, raid, search warrant or arrest warrant. Additionally, always talk to your lawyer before speaking with any investigator or special agent about anything.

The Emergency Declaration.

An emergency declaration gives Governor Scott the power to spend immediately without the Legislature’s approval. Therefore, public health officials can move quickly to respond to a crisis. Additionally, the emergency declaration will free up nearly $30 million in federal funds for prevention, treatment and recovery services. These services include workshops focused on addressing the major opioid abuse problem in Florida’s areas hit hardest with this crisis.

The Opioid Epidemic.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2015 nearly 3,900 people died across the state of Florida as a direct result of opioid abuse. Governor Scott’s emergency declaration has strengthened the Florida Legislature’s effort this year to address the opioid abuse crisis in several additional proposals.

Among the additional measures state legislators are considering one that rewrites Florida’s drug trafficking statute. The new measure would create tougher penalties for dealers and users, specifically those caught with fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic drug that can be 100 times more potent than morphine.

For more information and statistics on the opioid epidemic in Florida, click here.

To read one of my prior blogs for physicians prescribing pain medication, click here.

Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys for Opioid Abuse Concerns.

The Health Law Firm routinely represents pharmacists, pharmacies, physicians, nurses and other health providers in opioid abuse investigations, drug diversion, regulatory matters, licensing issues, litigation, inspections and audits involving the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), 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 www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Sources:

Auslen, Michael. “Gov. Scott declares public health emergency over opioid crisis.” Miami Herald. (May 4, 2017).

Ceballos, Ana. “Florida Bolsters Response to Opioid-Addiction Crisis.” Associated Press. (May 4, 2017). Web.

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.

KeyWords: Florida’s opioid abuse crisis, legal representation for opioid prescribing, legal representation for physicians prescribing opioids, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) defense lawyer, legal representation for over-prescribing pain medication, Board of Medicine hearing attorney, Board of Pharmacy hearing attorney, Florida prescription drug crackdown, health care defense attorney, legal representation for drug diversion, drug diversion defense attorney, legal representation for health care professionals, health care professional defense attorney, Board of Medicine defense counsel, Board of Pharmacy defense lawyer, Florida health care defense attorney, reviews of The Health Law Firm, The Health Law Firm attorney reviews, The Health Law Firm, attorneys for physicians, pharmacist legal defense attorney, Board of Medicine defense lawyer, Department of Health defense counsel, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Order to Show Cause (OTSC) attorney, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hearing lawyer

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 2017 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

By |2024-03-14T10:01:41-04:00May 15, 2018|Categories: Pharmacy Law Blog|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on Florida Doctors and Pharmacists Beware: Gov. Scott Declares State of Emergency for Opioid Abuse Crisis
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Appeals Court Affirms Discipline for Doctor Who Sold Prescriptions at Bar

6 Indest-2008-3By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On December 15, 2017, a physician who sold painkiller prescriptions to patients at a bar and restaurant, had his two-year probation for unprofessional conduct upheld by a Maryland appeals court. The court upheld the decision after it found that the evidence supported the state board’s disciplinary decision.

Unprofessional Conduct Alleged.

The Court of Special Appeals affirmed the ruling by the Maryland State Board of Physicians (Board) to reprimand Dr. Walter Kozachuk and place him on probation for a minimum of two years for unprofessional conduct in the practice of medicine. The Board claimed he would routinely meet with patients at a restaurant and bar and give them prescriptions for painkillers and anti-anxiety drugs in exchange for $100 per prescription. Additionally, on at least one occasion, he allegedly gave a patient a prescription in a parking lot.

The appeals court determined that there was substantial evidence supporting the board’s determination that the doctor’s sale of prescriptions in a non-office setting constituted unprofessional conduct. To read the court’s opinion in full, click here.

How You Can Avoid Legal Issues.

As a physician, you should be proactive in avoiding drug seeking patients and illicit clinic owners or coworkers. With the power of prescribing comes a great responsibility. Don’t find yourself behind bars when it can all be prevented. Here are some tips to learn from the recent pain management clinic raids.

1.    Avoid working for practices or clinics that have reputations as pill mills.

2.    Most physicians subject of investigations, such as the one written about here, are typically the sole physician in the clinic. Join a team setting in a group practice with other full-time physicians.

3.    Document everything. Make sure all medical records meet the requirements of state and federal laws. Verify all patients’ identities and be sensitive to possible false identifications.

4.    Make sure you know about everything going on in your office. Maintain a loyal and trustworthy staff who will report irregular behavior to you as physician. Have a zero tolerance for staff violations.

5.    Do NOT ever allow a lay person or non-physician to control your office. Do not give anyone like this sole access to medical records, billings, bank accounts or scheduling. Make sure that you are the one in control of these, that you have the passwords and access numbers, and that your constantly review these. You will be held accountable for this so you should remain in control.

To read more physician tips on protecting yourself and your license, click here.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced with Investigations of Health Professionals and Providers.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm provide legal representation to physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, pain management doctors, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists and other health providers in Department of Health (DOH) investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigations, FBI investigations, Medicare investigations, Medicaid investigations and other types of investigations of health professionals and providers.  We represent physicians in complaints against their medical licenses.  We also handle appeals of board of medicine cases.
To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Source:

Kang, Peter. “Md. Court Affirms Discipline For Doc Who Sold Scrips At Bar.” Law360. (December 15, 2017). Web.

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.

KeyWords: legal representation for health care professionals, health law defense attorney, legal representation for unprofessional conduct, legal representation for employment issues, legal representation for pill mill allegations, doctor defense attorney, Board of Medicine defense counsel, medical board defense attorney, professional license defense lawyer, legal representation for prescription drug trafficking, pill mill laws, legal representation for prescribing controlled substances, pain management doctor, legal representation for pain management physicians, legal defense for pain management professionals, legal defense for doctors, legal representation for prescription drug crackdown, legal representation for prescription drug abuse, legal representation for Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)investigations, legal representation for Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigations, legal representation for Department of Health (DOH) investigations, DOH defense attorney, reviews of The Health Law Firm, The Health Law Firm attorney reviews

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.Copyright © 2017 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

By |2024-03-14T10:01:42-04:00May 15, 2018|Categories: Pharmacy Law Blog|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on Appeals Court Affirms Discipline for Doctor Who Sold Prescriptions at Bar
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Appeals Court Affirms Discipline for Doctor Who Sold Prescriptions at Bar

6 Indest-2008-3By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On December 15, 2017, a physician who sold painkiller prescriptions to patients at a bar and restaurant, had his two-year probation for unprofessional conduct upheld by a Maryland appeals court. The court upheld the decision after it found that the evidence supported the state board’s disciplinary decision.

Unprofessional Conduct Alleged.

The Court of Special Appeals affirmed the ruling by the Maryland State Board of Physicians (Board) to reprimand Dr. Walter Kozachuk and place him on probation for a minimum of two years for unprofessional conduct in the practice of medicine. The Board claimed he would routinely meet with patients at a restaurant and bar and give them prescriptions for painkillers and anti-anxiety drugs in exchange for $100 per prescription. Additionally, on at least one occasion, he allegedly gave a patient a prescription in a parking lot.

The appeals court determined that there was substantial evidence supporting the board’s determination that the doctor’s sale of prescriptions in a non-office setting constituted unprofessional conduct. To read the court’s opinion in full, click here.

How You Can Avoid Legal Issues.

As a physician, you should be proactive in avoiding drug seeking patients and illicit clinic owners or coworkers. With the power of prescribing comes a great responsibility. Don’t find yourself behind bars when it can all be prevented. Here are some tips to learn from the recent pain management clinic raids.

1.    Avoid working for practices or clinics that have reputations as pill mills.

2.    Most physicians subject of investigations, such as the one written about here, are typically the sole physician in the clinic. Join a team setting in a group practice with other full-time physicians.

3.    Document everything. Make sure all medical records meet the requirements of state and federal laws. Verify all patients’ identities and be sensitive to possible false identifications.

4.    Make sure you know about everything going on in your office. Maintain a loyal and trustworthy staff who will report irregular behavior to you as physician. Have a zero tolerance for staff violations.

5.    Do NOT ever allow a lay person or non-physician to control your office. Do not give anyone like this sole access to medical records, billings, bank accounts or scheduling. Make sure that you are the one in control of these, that you have the passwords and access numbers, and that your constantly review these. You will be held accountable for this so you should remain in control.

To read more physician tips on protecting yourself and your license, click here.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced with Investigations of Health Professionals and Providers.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm provide legal representation to physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, pain management doctors, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists and other health providers in Department of Health (DOH) investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigations, FBI investigations, Medicare investigations, Medicaid investigations and other types of investigations of health professionals and providers.  We represent physicians in complaints against their medical licenses.  We also handle appeals of board of medicine cases.
To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Source:

Kang, Peter. “Md. Court Affirms Discipline For Doc Who Sold Scrips At Bar.” Law360. (December 15, 2017). Web.

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.

KeyWords: legal representation for health care professionals, health law defense attorney, legal representation for unprofessional conduct, legal representation for employment issues, legal representation for pill mill allegations, doctor defense attorney, Board of Medicine defense counsel, medical board defense attorney, professional license defense lawyer, legal representation for prescription drug trafficking, pill mill laws, legal representation for prescribing controlled substances, pain management doctor, legal representation for pain management physicians, legal defense for pain management professionals, legal defense for doctors, legal representation for prescription drug crackdown, legal representation for prescription drug abuse, legal representation for Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)investigations, legal representation for Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigations, legal representation for Department of Health (DOH) investigations, DOH defense attorney, reviews of The Health Law Firm, The Health Law Firm attorney reviews

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.Copyright © 2017 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

By |2024-03-14T10:01:54-04:00May 15, 2018|Categories: Mental Health Law Blog|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on Appeals Court Affirms Discipline for Doctor Who Sold Prescriptions at Bar
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“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 © 2022 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.
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