pain management | The Health Law Firm Blog

Drug Enforcement Administration Agents Raid Central Florida Pain Management Clinic

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

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents along with local police and sheriffs’ deputies raided a Longwood, Florida, pain management clinic on June 14, 2013. According to the Orlando Sentinel, agents searched for evidence at the clinic associated with multiple doctors. DEA agents stated the clinic was operating as a “pill mill” and allegedly diverting legal prescriptions for illegal purposes. No one was arrested during the raid. Longwood is a suburb of Orlando.

Investigation Spreads to South Florida.

According to WESH-TV, during the raid agents took everything from the clinic that could help them build a criminal prosecution. This included paper records, computer equipment and prescription drugs. DEA agents would not say how many people they were investigating, but they did say this raid was the result of a two-year long investigation.

In addition to the Longwood pain clinic, DEA agents said they are also searching locations in Brevard County, Florida, where associates of the Longwood clinic allegedly live.

To watch the WESH-TV report, click here.
Two Doctors Associated With the Longwood Clinic Allegedly “Blacklisted” by Pharmacy.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, two doctors associated with the Longwood clinic were allegedly “blacklisted” in 2011, by CVS Pharmacy. This means that CVS notified those physicians that the pharmacy chain would no longer fill prescriptions they wrote for certain drugs such as oxycodone, due to suspiciously high prescribing rates. To read a previous blog on the CVS blacklist, click here.

Click here to read the entire Orlando Sentinel article.

The Longwood pain clinic is currently closed. Whether this will be temporary or permanent is unknown at this time.

Different Clinic, Similar Storyline.

This raid on the Longwood clinic is just one of the many we’ve recently seen in Florida. DEA agents and local law enforcement officials are not slowing down in their fight against illegal pill mills, and illegal prescribing and dispensing practices. To read a blog on two Orlando-area pharmacists recently arrested on charges of alleged drug trafficking, click here. Even the biggest pharmacy chains are not immune to investigations. Walgreens just agreed to pay $80 million to settle a DEA investigation into the chain’s dispensing practices of prescription drugs. To read more, click here.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced with DEA Cases and Licensing Actions.

The Health Law Firm represents physicians, 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.

Comments?

What do you think about all of these raids on pharmacies and pain clinics? Please leave any thoughtful comments below.

Sources:

McDaniel, Dave. “Agents Raid Longwood Pain Clinic.” WESH-TV. (June 14, 2013). From: http://www.wesh.com/news/central-florida/seminole-county/agents-raid-longwood-pain-clinic/-/17597106/20572512/-/item/0/-/afpnwwz/-/index.html

Pavuk, Amy. “Agents Raid Longwood Pain Clinic.” Orlando Sentinel. (June 14, 2013). From: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-professional-pain-care-raid-20130614,0,3826330.story#tugs_story_display
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.

“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.

CVS Refuses to Fill Prescriptions For Some Florida Doctors

The crack down on Florida pill mills continues with CVS pharmacies notifying some doctors that they no longer will fill their prescriptions for certain narcotic medications.

According to Health News Florida, this new policy appears to be limited to Florida, but CVS has not clearly stated what is being used to determine which doctors can have their prescriptions filled for which drugs (though oxycodone definitely appears to be a target).

The Florida Academy of Pain Management, released a letter via email alert that was sent by CVS to a Central Florida physician. The physician who received the letter had never been disciplined by state medical regulators and had extensive pain management training. The email alert, stated that CVS appears to “have initiated an internal program where they are profiling physicians’ controlled substance prescribing habits and possibly their patients’ prescriptions.”

A spokesperson for CVS said that the company is refusing to fill prescriptions for a “small number of Florida physicians” and is supporting measures by federal and state law enforcement officials to “keep controlled substances out of the wrong hands.”

While some pain physicians have not received a letter, they have been told by patients that they are being analyzed by CVS for writing prescriptions for narcotics, especially a specific combination of medications with high potential for abuse — oxycodone, Xanax and Soma. This trio has been widely prescribed at pill mills.

Although the actions taken by CVS may be extreme, other pharmacies and pharmacists are increasingly hesitant about filling certain prescriptions. With pain killers now responsible for more than seven overdose deaths a day in Florida, there is reason to be cautious, and pharmacists are professionally obligated not to fill prescriptions they find questionable.

However, stricter regulations on pain clinics, pain management physicians and prescription writing has left patients who face real pain unable to obtain necessary medication. Legitimate patients are being punished for the actions of a small group of corrupt practitioners.

Florida must find a way to get out of the Catch-22 in which the state is currently entangled. Yes, prescription drug abuse is a problem, but so is the real pain faced by many patients.

For more information on legal matters concerning pain clinics and pain management physicians, visit www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:00:27-04:00June 1, 2018|Categories: Department of Health, Health Care Industry, In the News, Pain Management, Pharmacy, The Health Law Firm Blog|Tags: CVS, florida, pain clinics, pain management, pain physician, pill mills|Comments Off

New Details Released on Drug Enforcement Administration’s Investigation of Central Florida Pain Management Clinic

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’s (DEA) investigation into a Longwood, Florida, pain management clinic continues. More details are being revealed about the case. DEA agents along with local police and sheriffs’ deputies raided the pain management clinic on June 14, 2013. Agents believe the evidence they have gathered suggests the clinic was operating as a “pill mill,” according to the Orlando Sentinel. Officials allegedly seized evidence at the clinic associated with at least ten (10) doctors and other clinic employees. No one has been arrested yet, but documents filed in federal court in Orlando suggest charges could be coming.

I previously blogged about this raid. Click here to read that blog.

Details of the Investigation.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, the DEA began surveying the alleged pill mill in January 2011, while investigating a doctor shopper. From July 2011 through May 2013, agents monitored the clinic. During the investigation, agents observed long lines outside the clinic, out-of-state license plates and groups of “patients” arriving at the clinic together. All of this behavior, according to authorities, is associated with pain clinics.

More concrete evidence against the pain management clinic, according to police officials, includes:

– Patients stating that employees discussed selling pain pills and fake MRIs;

– DEA agents observing drug deals made by patients coming from the clinic, in the vicinity of the clinic;

– Used needles were found in nearby parking lots; and

– Two of the clinic’s patients allegedly died from overdoses during the investigation.

Pain Management Clinic Physicians Made Millions.

It’s reported that the pain management clinic hired ten (10) doctors to write illegal prescriptions and employed others to falsify documents. For their willingness to participate in the illegal activity, the physicians allegedly made millions of dollars.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, the bank accounts of the clinic managers were analyzed as part of the investigation. From 2011 to 2013, more than $5.5 million in cash was deposited into the bank accounts of the clinic managers and physicians.

To read the entire article from the Orlando Sentinel, click here.

Keep in mind, at this point, these are just allegations made against the clinic and its employees and nothing has been proven by the state or federal government.

Be Mindful of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Database.

DEA agents used Florida’s prescription drug monitoring database to find out what types of pills and how many pills physicians at the Longwood pain clinic were prescribing. The prescription database was not intended to be used for criminal prosecution or law enforcement purposes. Yet it is routinely being used to prosecute physicians, pharmacists and pharmacies among others.

If You are a Health Care Professional Involved with Pain Management, Keep These Tips Handy.

The raid on the Longwood clinic is just one of the many we’ve recently seen in Florida. DEA agents and local law enforcement officials are not slowing down in their fight against illegal pill mills, and illegal prescribing and dispensing practices. I have represented a number of physicians who have been accused of “overprescribing.” Some of these were criminal investigations by local law enforcement authorities, such as a county sheriff’s office. Some were investigations by the DEA. Some were investigations by the state licensing agency, such as the Florida Department of Health (DOH).

It is important physicians know how to protect themselves and their licenses from drug-seeking patients. Click here to read tips I give to physicians I advise on this issue.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced with DEA Cases and Licensing Actions.

The Health Law Firm represents physicians, 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.

Comments?

What do you think about all of these raids on pharmacies and pain clinics? Please leave any thoughtful comments below.

Sources:

Pavuk, Amy. “Rx for Danger: Pain Clinic Owners Made Millions, Hired 10 Doctors to Write Illegal Scripts, Feds Say.” Orlando Sentinel. (June 24, 2013). From: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/health/os-professional-pain-care-longwood-20130624,0,1172890.story

Indest, George. “Drug Enforcement Administration Agents Raid Central Florida Pain Management Clinic.” The Health Law Fir. (June 17, 2013). From: http://thehealthlawfirmblog.wordpress.com/2013/06/17/drug-enforcement-administration-agents-raid-central-florida-pain-management-clinic/

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.

“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.

Florida’s Strike Force Raids Pain Management Physicians

Florida is reported to have one of the worst prescription drug abuse problems in the country. Because of this issue, pain management physicians have been under increasing scrutiny and attack by federal and state agencies. If you are a pain management physician or you work in a pain a management clinic, you need to be aware of the measures that state and federal agencies are taking against doctors who practice pain management and the owners of pain management clinics.

A news release sent out by the Florida Department of Health (DOH) this summer discusses “inspections” of physicians’ offices across the state, allegedly to ensure compliance with Florida’s new prescription drug law (House Bill 7095). However, many of these may be more aptly termed as “raids.” These raids, under the guise of being inspections, have resulted in a massive quantity of narcotics being seized from clinics and physicians’ offices by the Strike Force. It is claimed that no search warrants are necessary as the Strike Force states it is performing an “administrative inspection.” The pain management physicians targeted by these inspections are identified based on their purchasing, prescribing and dispensing levels.

Often these “inspections” will include Department of Health Investigators, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Special Agents, local police and law enforcement agents, and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agents.

Our primary concern and warning to the physician or owner is to not talk to any investigators or inspectors, but call your personal attorney immediately. Have the investigator or inspector talk to your attorney. All communications should be with and through your attorney.
If you are requested to “voluntarily” relinquish (give up) your DEA registration or your medical license or other professional license, do not do this. It will not help you and it will make every aspect of your case more difficult to defend.
Do not make any statement (oral or written) or allow yourself to be interviewed.
Obtain the complete names, addresses, titles and agencies for each agent there. Obtain their business cards (which they should have).
Do not volunteer up any documents, items or information.

To read more about inspections from the document released by the Florida Department of Health click here.

If your office has been “inspected” and you need legal representation, you may call and speak to one of our health attorneys at (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001.

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:00:28-04:00June 1, 2018|Categories: Department of Health, Health Care Industry, Pain Management, Pharmacy, The Health Law Firm Blog|Tags: attorney, doh, florida, inspections, pain management, physicians, raids|Comments Off

Doctor Sentenced to Almost 27 Years in Prison for Pill Mill Charges

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

A doctor was sentenced to almost 27 years in prison on July 24, 2013, according to the Sun Sentinel. The former doctor, Sergio Rodriguez, had worked as a pediatrician at Children Plus Health Center near Palm Beach County, Florida. He was charged with operating a pill mill out of his office. He pleaded guilty to four counts of manslaughter, four counts of conspiracy to traffic oxycodone, one count of racketeering and one count of money laundering.

Click here to read the entire Sun Sentinel article.

Doctor Prescribed Pain Pills to Undercover Detectives.

Dr. Rodriguez is accused of illegally prescribing pain killers out of his office. He was initially arrested in 2008. Investigators claim the doctor did not have the proper training to prescribe the pain medications, but did so anyway. According to the Sun Sentinel, the doctor would prescribe oxycodone, methadone and xanax to patients, including undercover detectives, without an examination.

A Palm Beach, Florida, judge approved a plea agreement for Dr. Rodriguez. Under the agreement, the doctor reportedly admitted responsibility for the deaths of four people in early 2008. According to court documents, Dr. Rodriguez relinquished his license to practice medicine in the state of Florida in 2009.

Click here to read the administrative complaint against Dr. Rodriguez.

Civil Forfeiture of Property and Money: A New Weapon in the Government’s Arsenal Against Health Fraud and Pill Mills.

Dr. Rodriguez was also ordered to pay $200,000 in fines, and court costs. He will also be responsible for forfeiting $87,000, according to the Sun Sentinel.

Recently we have seen government prosecutors and agencies, including the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU), the U.S. Attorney General’s (AG) Office, and local sheriff and police departments use the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act against health professionals and health facilities in health-related cases. A prompt, aggressive defense to these actions may often recover the property or funds seized and, more importantly, a good defense can be used to help resolve any pending criminal charges. To read more on the forfeiture of property and money, click here to read a previous blog.

Legal Tips for Physicians to Manage Pain Patients.

Doctors, pharmacists and all healthcare professionals who are involved in schemes relating to overprescribing or trafficking in narcotics may be targeted by many different agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The DEA will often use undercover agents and informants to pose as patients, wired for audio recording. The DEA will often work with local law enforcement authorities and the Department of Health (DOH). Other investigations and arrests may be initiated by a statewide prosecutor’s office, which is under the AG. Still others have been initiated by the MFCU where Medicaid funds are used.

To avoid any legal actions altogether, we advise our physician clients to follow a simple list of suggestions in order to protect themselves from drug-seeking patients. Click here to see an article on our website with tips on how to help manage pain patients.

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.

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

Comments?

What do you think of Dr. Rodriguez’s sentence? As a health care professional, how do you manage pain patients? Please leave any thoughtful comments below.

Sources:

Freeman, Marc. “Former Doctor Sentenced to 27 Years for Overdose Deaths.” Sun Sentinel. (July 25, 2013). From: http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2013-07-25/news/fl-doctor-overdose-deaths-plea-deal-20130725_1_sergio-rodriguez-former-doctor-children-plus-health-center

Muczyner, Michael. “Lake Worth Pediatrician Sentenced to Prison for Pill Mill Charges.” CBS 12 News. (July 25, 2013). From: http://cbs12.com/news/top-stories/stories/vid_9076.shtml

Department of Health v. Sergio Rodriguez, M.D. Case Number 2008-20504. Final Order. January 7, 2011. From: http://ww2.doh.state.fl.us/DocServiceMngr/displayDocument.aspx

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.

“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.

Recent Changes to Florida’s Pain Management Laws

If you are a pain management physician, it is important for you to be aware of changes in the laws governing the practice of pain management. The following laws were updated this summer, so the Florida Department of Health (DOH) will be enforcing these changes, including new penalities for inappropriate prescribing and new regulations for prescribing controlled substances.

Minimum penalties for inappropriate prescribing for licensed health professionals – six (6) month suspension and $10,000 fine per count. “Inappropriate prescribing” is in new Section 456.44, Florida Statutes.
Effective January 1, 2012, every physician prescribing controlled substances must designate himself or herself as a controlled substance prescribing practitioner on the physician’s profile maintained by the Florida Department of Health.
Effective July 1, 2011, new required elements must be documented in medical records of each pain management patient and there are new Standards of Practice for pain management physicians.
Effective July 1, 2011, each physician practicing in a pain management clinic must notify the Florida Board of Medicine within 10 days after beginning or ending practice at the pain management clinic.
Effective July 1, 2011, each physician practicing in a pain management clinic is personally responsible for the clinic’s compliance with all operational requirements.
Effective July 1, 2011, each pain management clinic must report to the Department of Health:
  a. the number of new and repeat patients;
  b. the number of patients discharged due to drug abuse;
  c. the number of patients discharged due to diversion; and
  d. the number of patients who live outside Florida.
Effective July 1, 2011, dispensing physicians are no longer authorized to dispense Schedule II and Schedule III controlled substances.
Dispensing physicians must return all Schedule II and Schedule III controlled substances to the distributors or dispose of them by July 10, 2011.
The Florida Department of Health will identify dispensing practitioners who purchase more than an average of 2,000 doses of Schedule II or Schedule III controlled substances per month and decide which of these practitioners poses the greatest risk to the public health. (We expect that individuals will be targeted by criminal law enforcement authorities, including the DEA, based on these reports.)
Three days after the effective date, the Department of Health and Law Enforcement will enter the businesses of all dispensing practitioners identified as posing the greatest threat to public health and ‘quarantine’ the practitioner’s inventory of Schedule II and Schedule III controlled substances.

If you are concerned about your pain management clinic, or if you are a pain management physician who has been subjected to raids or other investigations call us at (407) 331-6620 0r (850) 439-1001 or visit our website for more information at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:00:28-04:00June 1, 2018|Categories: Department of Health, Pain Management, Pharmacy, The Health Law Firm Blog|Tags: pain management, pain management attorney, pain management florida laws, pain management prescribing florida|20 Comments

Orlando Health Attorney Featured in Latest Issue of Medical Economics

Orlando, Fla. – March 15, 2012 – George F. Indest III, President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, shares his knowledge of health law in the March 14 issue of Medical Economics. Mr. Indest was interviewed and quoted for an article concerning legal advice for primary care physicians who prescribe painkillers. In the article he provided information based on his experience in defending physicians charged with over-prescribing with the DEA and Florida DOH, Board of Medicine.

The article, “5 ways to avoid over-prescribing allegations,” includes tips written by Mr. Indest for physicians to follow if they practice pain management. The article can be read in its entirety here.

Mr. Indest is a well-known attorney specializing in the representation of health professionals and health care providers throughout Florida. His practice encompasses all aspects of health law, including pain management and pain medicine physician and clinic defense, defense of professional licensing cases, representation in investigations, defense in credentialing matters, Medicare and Medicaid audits, formation of corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs), Board of Medicine hearings, peer review actions, clinical privileges hearings, representation of medical students, and other matters of health care law and legal representation of health care professionals.

In 1999, Mr. Indest started The Health Law Firm, which has three Florida offices in Altamonte Springs, Orlando, and Pensacola. A former Navy JAG Corps attorney, he has practiced law for over 30 years.

For more information about The Health Law Firm visit http://www.thehealthlawfirm.com.

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About The Health Law Firm
The Health Law Firm was established in 1999, bringing together a team of experienced attorneys with decades of work in the legal and healthcare fields. With offices in Altamonte Springs, Orlando and Pensacola, Florida, the firm represents healthcare providers, including hospitals, nursing homes, physicians, dentists, mental health professionals and other licensed health professionals and entities. For more information about The Health Law Firm, visit http://www.thehealthlawfirm.com.

For additional information contact:
Kara Large
Office: (407) 331-6620, ext. 219
Cell: (407) 921-4322

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:00:28-04:00June 1, 2018|Categories: Our Firm, The Health Law Firm Blog|Tags: health attorney, orlando health attorney, orlando health law, over-prescribing, pain clinics, pain management, physicians|Comments Off

Doctors and Nurse Practitioner Arrested in Prescription Drug Abuse Raid

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

A crackdown on prescription drug abuse by New York law enforcement has resulted in the arrests of 98 people. Two doctors and a nurse practitioner were among those charged.

A series of raids were carried out by Brooklyn federal prosecutors, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), district attorney’s offices, and local law enforcement agencies. The raids began June 5, 2012 and resulted in the arrests.

To view the DEA’s press release concerning the raid, click here.

Both Doctors Accused of Overprescribing.

One of the doctors is accused of conspiring to distribute oxycodone to patients that were not legitimate. Allegedly, the doctor surrendered his DEA registration. This terminated his authority to prescribe controlled substances such as oxycodone. However, he allegedly attempted to use other health care practitioners to continue to prescribe drugs, which the government contends is illegal.

Another doctor involved in the crackdown is charged with illegal distribution of oxycodone. During the execution of a federal search warrant at his offices on March 1, 2012, the doctor voluntarily surrendered his DEA registration. However, he allegedly continued to issue prescriptions to those whom he knew were not legitimate patients.

We continually warn against “voluntarily relinquishing” DEA registrations or medical licenses with any investigation pending as this is treated the same as a revocation in most cases. For an article we have written on this, click here.

Florida Has Experienced Similar Prescription Drug Abuse Crackdowns.

Starting around two years ago, Florida health providers involved in narcotics precribing became routine targets for law enforcement. This was part of a concerted effort by state and federal officials to crackdown on “pill mill” operations. Regulations increased. Lawmakers enacted severe penalties for doctors and other health professionals accused of over-prescribing. Most physicians were banned from dispensing drugs in their offices. The governor created a Florida drug “strike force” with a mission to eliminate any pain clinics that were found to be breaking the law. The Florida Surgeon General and the Board of Medicine made announcements about the “crackdown” on “over-prescribing.”

Since the implementation of the new pain management and prescribing laws, the Florida strike force has made thousands of arrests and seized millions of pills of narcotics. This has resulted in serious concerns by those in the pain management profession.

Law Enforcement will Continue to Pursue Physicians, Pharmacists, Nurses and Other Health Providers.

The recent raid in New York and ongoing actions in Florida demonstrate that law enforcement will continue to pursue health professionals who prescribe large amounts of narcotics.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced with Overprescribing Charges and 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. 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 Include:

Allen, Jonathon. “Doctors Arrested in New York Prescription Drug Crackdown.” Reuters. (June 7, 2012). From http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/06/06/usa-crime-painkillers-idINL1E8H6E3J20120606

CBS News. “98 Arrested in NY Prescription Drug Sweep.” CBS News. (June 6, 2012). From http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57448268/dozens-arrested-in-ny-prescription-drug-bust/

McKenzie-Mulvey, Erin. “U.S. Attorney Lynch, District Attorneys, DEA, Other Law Enforcement Announce Prescription Drug Initiative.” Drug Enforcement Administration. (June 7, 2012). Press Release. From: http://www.justice.gov/dea/pubs/states/newsrel/2012/nyc060712a.html

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.

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:00:31-04:00June 1, 2018|Categories: DEA, The Health Law Firm Blog|Tags: controlled substances, dea, DEA emergency suspension, DEA investigation, DEA raid, doctor, drug enforcement administration, emergency suspension order, New York prescription drug abuse arrests, New York prescription drug crackdown, nurse, overprescribing, pain clinics, pain management, pharmacies, pharmacists, pharmacy, physician|Comments Off

Recent Pill Mill Bust in Florida Dubbed “Operation Pill Street Blues”

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

A statewide pill mill bust that spanned several Florida cities was announced by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Florida law enforcement on June 27, 2012. Seven doctors and seven pain clinic owners were arrested. The raid has been dubbed “Operation Pill Street Blues” by the DEA.

To view the DEA’s press release concerning the raid, click here.

Manslaughter and Trafficking Among Charges Against the Doctors and Pain Clinic Owners.

The doctors and pain clinic owners are facing a long list of charges. Some of the alleged offenses include: racketeering; conspiracy to commit racketeering; manslaughter; trafficking in a controlled substance; conspiracy to traffic in a controlled substance; delivery of a controlled substance; illegally prescribing a controlled substance by a practitioner; illegally prescribing a controlled substance (oxycodone hydrochloride) by a practitioner-trafficking amount; workers compensation fraud; and money laundering.

Investigation Unveiled Ring of Pill Mills Spanning Across Florida.

The arrests follow a two year investigation led by the DEA in conjunction with the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, Vero Beach Police Department, and the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution. The investigation began in Vero Beach in November 2010 after the DEA received complaints about a pain clinic that was allegedly writing a large amount of narcotics prescriptions.

During the investigation, DEA agents uncovered eight more pain clinics in Miami, Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, Sarasota, Gainesville and Pensacola that were allegedly involved in the same operation. DEA agents also learned that some of the pain clinics were allegedly owned by two active Pompano Beach firemen.

Pain Clinic Owners Allegedly Studied Other DEA Pill Mill Busts to Avoid Detection.

According to the DEA, the pain clinic owners allegedly researched public records relating to past DEA investigations such as Operation Pill Nation and Operation Oxy Alley. One of the pain clinic owners also allegedly educated others at the clinics on how to successfully report their competition to law enforcement.

Wire Intercepts, Informants, and Undercover Agents Used in Pain Clinic Investigations.

The investigation into the pain clinics involved the use of judicial wire intercepts, informants, and under cover visits to the pain clinics. Undercover agents allegedly visited each of the seven doctors charged. The agents were allegedly prescribed approximately 2,732 oxycodone tablets.

Law Enforcement Raids on Physicians, Pharmacists, Nurses and Other Health Providers Will Continue.

According to the DEA, Operation Pill Street Blues is an ongoing investigation. Additional arrests of co-conspirators, including other doctors and health providers, are forthcoming, according to the DEA. If you are a physician, pharmacist, nurse, or other health provider, ensure you are taking measures to protect yourself and your practice.

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:

Ro, Mia. “Federal Investigation Takes Down New Breed of Pill Mills in Florida.” Drug Enforcement Administration. (June 27, 2012). Press Release. From: http://www.justice.gov/dea/pubs/states/newsrel/2012/mia062712.html

Roberts, John. “DEA, Florida Police Arrest 14 in Pill Mill Bust.” Fox News. (June 6, 2012). From http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/06/27/statewide-pill-mill-bust-involves-florida-municipal-workers/#ixzz1zBvQuGgC

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.

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:00:32-04:00June 1, 2018|Categories: DEA, The Health Law Firm Blog|Tags: controlled substances, dea, DEA emergency suspension, DEA investigation, DEA raid, doctor, drug enforcement administration, emergency suspension order, ESO, Florida prescription drug abuse, Florida prescription drug crackdown, nurse, Orlando DEA defense lawyer, overprescribing, pain clinics, pain management, pharmacies, pharmacists, pharmacy, physician, Pill Street Blues, prescription drug trafficking|1 Comment

Two Central Florida Physicians Connected 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.

South Florida Firefighter Alleged Leader 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.

Millions of Oxycodone Pills were Prescribed 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 Vary 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 Speaking Out.

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.

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.

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:00:33-04:00June 1, 2018|Categories: DEA, Department of Health, In the Know, In the News, Pain Management, The Health Law Firm Blog|Tags: controlled substances, dea, DEA emergency suspension, DEA investigation, DEA raid, doctor, drug enforcement administration, emergency suspension order, ESO, Florida prescription drug abuse, Florida prescription drug crackdown, nurse, overprescribing, pain clinics, pain management, pharmacies, pharmacists, pharmacy, physician, Pill Street Blues, prescription drug trafficking, Tag words: Orlando DEA defense lawyer|Comments Off