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.

 

By |2024-03-14T10:01:23-04:00May 15, 2018|Categories: Medical Education Law Blog|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on Cardiologist Faces HIPAA Privacy Violation Charges for Over Sharing Patient Information
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First Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Hawaii Gets Green Light From DOH

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

On August 8, 2017, after waiting 17 years, Hawaii will begin dispensary sales of medical marijuana to patients. Maui Grown Therapies got the green light from the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) to begin selling medical cannabis. I know (from reliable sources, that is) that Hawaiian grown marijuana has always been a favorite with the connoisseur.

Maui Grown Therapies.

The Maui dispensary has been pre-registering patients and will begin selling medical cannabis to patients by appointment only, said Freitas Gorman, director of community relations and patient affairs. Walk-in sales will start in about a week.

In 2000, Hawaii was among the first states to legalize medical marijuana. But the state didn’t legalize dispensaries until 2015, so the state’s 18,000 patients had to grow or obtain the drug on their own.

“This is an important day for qualified patients and caregivers on Maui who now have assurance the medical cannabis they purchase at Maui Grown Therapies has been thoroughly tested and is safe for them to use,” said Virginia Pressler, director of the state Department of Health, in a statement. “Implementing a new health program is always challenging, and the dispensary program was no exception.”

To read the press release from the DOH, click here.

To read more on the status of medical marijuana in Florida, click here to read my prior blog.

To learn more about how the attorneys of The Health Law Firm can assist you in legal matters involving medical marijuana, click here.

To stay on top of medical marijuana issues, be sure to check out our Medical Marijuana Law Blog regularly.

Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys for Medical Marijuana Concerns.

The Health Law Firm attorneys can assist health care providers and facilities, such as doctors, pharmacists and pharmacies, wanting to participate in the medical marijuana industry. We can properly draft and complete the applications for registration, permitting and/or licensing, while complying with Florida law. We can also represent doctors, pharmacies and pharmacists facing proceedings brought by state regulators or agencies.

Sources:

Bussewitz, Cathy. “FIRST MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY OPENING IN HAWAII.” The Associated Press. (August 8, 2017). Web.

Department of Health. “First dispensary receives approval from Department of Health to
begin sales of medical cannabis for Hawai‘i patients.” State of Hawaii, DOH. (August 8, 2017). Web.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law 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 Avenue, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

KeyWords: Medical marijuana legislation, medical marijuana defense attorney, legal representation for medical marijuana, legal representation for Department of Health issues, medical marijuana representation in Florida, Medical and recreational marijuana use, legal counsel for medical marijuana, marijuana defense attorney, complex health related business transactions, legal opinions on medical issues, legal representation for medical marijuana growers and distributors, legal counsel for medical marijuana, DOH defense attorney, The Health Law Firm attorney reviews, The Health Law Firm reviews, Florida medical marijuana defense attorney, Board of Medicine defense lawyer, reviews of The Health Law Firm, access to medical marijuana in Florida, The Health Law Firm, legal representation for applicants of marijuana dispensary license, legal representation for marijuana dispensary medical directors, legal representation for contracts for marijuana related matters, legal representation for physicians and medical director agreements, legal representation for licensure and regulatory matters involving growers, legal representation for dispensaries and medical directors

“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 |2024-03-14T10:01:26-04:00May 15, 2018|Categories: Mental Health Law Blog|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on First Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Hawaii Gets Green Light From DOH
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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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First Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Hawaii Gets Green Light From DOH

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

On August 8, 2017, after waiting 17 years, Hawaii will begin dispensary sales of medical marijuana to patients. Maui Grown Therapies got the green light from the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) to begin selling medical cannabis. I know (from reliable sources, that is) that Hawaiian grown marijuana has always been a favorite with the connoisseur.

Maui Grown Therapies.

The Maui dispensary has been pre-registering patients and will begin selling medical cannabis to patients by appointment only, said Freitas Gorman, director of community relations and patient affairs. Walk-in sales will start in about a week.

In 2000, Hawaii was among the first states to legalize medical marijuana. But the state didn’t legalize dispensaries until 2015, so the state’s 18,000 patients had to grow or obtain the drug on their own.

“This is an important day for qualified patients and caregivers on Maui who now have assurance the medical cannabis they purchase at Maui Grown Therapies has been thoroughly tested and is safe for them to use,” said Virginia Pressler, director of the state Department of Health, in a statement. “Implementing a new health program is always challenging, and the dispensary program was no exception.”

To read the press release from the DOH, click here.

To read more on the status of medical marijuana in Florida, click here to read my prior blog.

To learn more about how the attorneys of The Health Law Firm can assist you in legal matters involving medical marijuana, click here.

To stay on top of medical marijuana issues, be sure to check out our Medical Marijuana Law Blog regularly.

Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys for Medical Marijuana Concerns.

The Health Law Firm attorneys can assist health care providers and facilities, such as doctors, pharmacists and pharmacies, wanting to participate in the medical marijuana industry. We can properly draft and complete the applications for registration, permitting and/or licensing, while complying with Florida law. We can also represent doctors, pharmacies and pharmacists facing proceedings brought by state regulators or agencies.

Sources:

Bussewitz, Cathy. “FIRST MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY OPENING IN HAWAII.” The Associated Press. (August 8, 2017). Web.

Department of Health. “First dispensary receives approval from Department of Health to
begin sales of medical cannabis for Hawai‘i patients.” State of Hawaii, DOH. (August 8, 2017). Web.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law 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 Avenue, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

KeyWords: Medical marijuana legislation, medical marijuana defense attorney, legal representation for medical marijuana, legal representation for Department of Health issues, medical marijuana representation in Florida, Medical and recreational marijuana use, legal counsel for medical marijuana, marijuana defense attorney, complex health related business transactions, legal opinions on medical issues, legal representation for medical marijuana growers and distributors, legal counsel for medical marijuana, DOH defense attorney, The Health Law Firm attorney reviews, The Health Law Firm reviews, Florida medical marijuana defense attorney, Board of Medicine defense lawyer, reviews of The Health Law Firm, access to medical marijuana in Florida, The Health Law Firm, legal representation for applicants of marijuana dispensary license, legal representation for marijuana dispensary medical directors, legal representation for contracts for marijuana related matters, legal representation for physicians and medical director agreements, legal representation for licensure and regulatory matters involving growers, legal representation for dispensaries and medical directors

“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 |2024-03-14T10:01:29-04:00May 15, 2018|Categories: Health Facilities Law Blog|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on First Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Hawaii Gets Green Light From DOH
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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 |2024-03-14T10:01:37-04:00May 15, 2018|Categories: Health Facilities 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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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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Study Finds States That Allow Medical Marijuana May Have Less Opioid Use

Headshot of The Health Law Firm's attorney George F. Indest IIIBy George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On September 15, 2016, a new study was released from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, that suggests people in states that allow medical marijuana may be using fewer opioid painkillers. Researchers analyzed crash data in 18 states from 1999 to 2013 and revealed that states that allow medical marijuana use saw a reduction in opioid involvement in fatal car accidents.

The Relationship Between Medical Marijuana Laws and Opioid Use.

The study, published in the American Journal of Public Health, is the first look at how the relationship of medical marijuana laws might affect the use of opioid painkillers. “After the implementation of a medical marijuana law, there appears to be less opioid use, at least among young and middle-aged adults,” study lead author June Kim said. He’s a graduate student in epidemiology at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in New York City.

The researchers used data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System database of about 69,000 drivers from 18 states who died in auto accidents between the years 1999 and 2013. Tests for alcohol and other drugs had been conducted on the drivers.

In states where medical marijuana law was legal and easily accessible, the study found that drivers between the ages of 21 and 40, had almost half the chances of testing positive for opioid painkillers, than those who crashed before such a law was implemented. The results further add to evidence suggesting that patients with chronic pain may substitute marijuana for a prescription painkiller in states where the option is available.

The study authors stressed that it’s not clear if the opioid painkillers — or, for that matter, marijuana — contributed to any of the car accidents.

Click here to read the published article in the American Journal of Public Health.

To read one of my prior blogs on the use of medical marijuana as a treatment for opioid addiction, click here.

Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys for Medical Marijuana Concerns.

The Health Law Firm attorneys can assist health care providers and facilities, such as doctors, pharmacists and pharmacies, wanting to participate in the medical marijuana industry. We can properly draft and complete the applications for registration, permitting and/or licensing, while complying with Florida law. We can also represent doctors, pharmacies and pharmacists facing proceedings brought by state regulators or agencies.

To contact The Health Law Firm please call (407) 331-6620 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Sources:

Ingraham, Christopher. “Study: medical pot means less opioid use.” Orlando Sentinel. (September 16, 2016). Print.

Dotinga, Randy. “Do medical pot states have less opioid abuse?” WebMD News from HealthDay. (September 15, 2016). 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: Marijuana treatment for opioid addiction, alternative addiction treatment, alternative for painkillers, medical marijuana defense attorney, American Journal of Public Health, medical marijuana for patients with chronic pain, substituting medical marijuana for prescription opioid painkillers, lawyer for medical marijuana growers and distributors, health lawyers for marijuana distributors, legal counsel for marijuana growers and distributors, medical marijuana laws, medical marijuana legalization, medical marijuana lawyer, 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

“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 |2024-03-14T10:02:02-04:00May 15, 2018|Categories: marijuana law, Marijuana Law Blog, Medical Marijuana|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on Study Finds States That Allow Medical Marijuana May Have Less Opioid Use
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Florida Proposed Amendment: Telemedicine Exams Not Allowed for Medical Marijuana Doctor Order

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

On December 8, 2016, The Florida Board of Medicine issued a proposed amendment to its telemedicine regulations to clarify that physicians cannot order medical cannabis or low-THC cannabis through telemedicine. The regulation is in the preliminary stages and awaits further review

It’s been proposed that Florida residents seeking medical marijuana prescriptions will need to have an in-person examination first.

The Board originally issued the current telemedicine rules in the Spring of 2014. This amendment would add a new Section (5) to the Standards for Telemedicine Practice under 64B8-9.0141, F.A.C.

The regulation would state “(5) Medical cannabis, as defined by s. 381.986, F.S., may not be ordered by means of telemedicine” if the proposed amendment is finalized.

Florida law permits specified physicians to order low-THC cannabis or medical marijuana for patients diagnosed with certain conditions. The proposed telemedicine amendment comes from the overwhelming approval of Amendment 2 by Florida voter’s. The approval allowed for expanding access of medical marijuana in Florida.

Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys for Medical Marijuana Concerns.

The Health Law Firm attorneys can assist health care providers and facilities, such as doctors, pharmacists and pharmacies, wanting to participate in the medical marijuana industry. We can properly draft and complete the applications for registration, permitting and/or licensing, while complying with Florida law. We can also represent doctors, pharmacies and pharmacists facing proceedings brought by state regulators or agencies.

Sources:

Lima, Debora. “Medical marijuana might be legal, but you won’t get a prescription this way.” South Florida Business Journal. (December 14, 2016). Web.

Ferrante, Thomas and Lacktman, Nathaniel. “Florida: No Telemedicine Exams for Medical Marijuana.” Lexology. (December 12, 2016).Web.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law 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 Avenue, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

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“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 |2024-03-14T10:02:03-04:00May 15, 2018|Categories: marijuana law, Marijuana Law Blog, Medical Marijuana|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on Florida Proposed Amendment: Telemedicine Exams Not Allowed for Medical Marijuana Doctor Order
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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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