How Can Drug Diversion Accusations Affect a Person’s Medical License?

As a healthcare professional, maintaining a medical license is crucial to your career. Accusations of drug diversion can have serious consequences that could potentially jeopardize your license. Drug diversion refers to the illegal distribution or misuse of prescription drugs, and it is a serious offense that can lead to criminal charges and disciplinary action. If you are accused of drug diversion, you may need to address issues with both the Indiana Medical Licensing Board and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The Impact of Drug Diversion Accusations

When a healthcare professional is accused of drug diversion, it can have far-reaching effects on their medical license and professional reputation. Here are some ways drug diversion accusations can impact your medical license:

1. Investigation by licensing board: If you are investigated by the DEA, or if your controlled substance registration is suspended or revoked, this will likely trigger an investigation by the medical licensing board. Investigators will review the evidence, and hearings may be held to determine whether disciplinary action is necessary.

2. License suspension or revocation - If you are found guilty of drug diversion or if there are other indications that you have mishandled controlled substances, your medical license may be suspended or revoked. This means you will no longer be able to practice medicine legally.

3. Loss of trust and reputation - Drug diversion accusations can damage your professional reputation and erode the trust that patients and colleagues have in you. This can make it difficult to find employment or regain your standing in the medical community.

4. Criminal charges - Drug diversion is a criminal offense, and if convicted, you may face fines, probation, or even imprisonment. A criminal record can have long-lasting consequences that can impact your ability to apply for or renew a medical license in the future.

5. Difficulty obtaining malpractice insurance - After being accused of drug diversion, it may become challenging to secure the necessary insurance coverage. Insurance companies may view you as a higher risk, and they may either deny coverage or charge significantly higher premiums.

Defending Against Drug Diversion Accusations

If you have been accused of drug diversion, seeking legal representation from an experienced attorney is crucial. A skilled lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and mount a strong defense. Here are some possible defense strategies:

• Challenging the evidence - Your attorney will thoroughly review the evidence against you and look for any inconsistencies or weaknesses in the prosecution's case. They may challenge the credibility of witnesses or question the chain of custody of the alleged diverted drugs.

• Proving lack of intent - To be convicted of drug diversion, you must knowingly and intentionally allow prescription drugs to be used for non-medical purposes. Your attorney may argue that there was no intent to divert drugs and that any discrepancies were unintentional or the result of administrative errors.

• Establishing alternative explanations - Your lawyer may present explanations for the alleged drug diversion, such as errors, misinterpretation of records, or other factors that could account for the discrepancies.

• Seeking rehabilitation - If you are struggling with substance abuse or addiction, your attorney may recommend seeking treatment and rehabilitation. Showing a commitment to recovery can help mitigate the consequences and demonstrate your dedication to patient safety.

Contact an Experienced Indianapolis Medical License Defense Attorney for Drug Diversion

If you are facing drug diversion accusations and are concerned about the impact that DEA investigations may have on your medical license, it is crucial to consult with an experienced Indiana medical license defense lawyer. At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc., we understand the complexities of matters related to controlled substances, professional licensing, and related concerns. Our team of skilled attorneys is dedicated to providing personalized and aggressive representation to healthcare professionals in Indiana. We can work to protect your rights and help you navigate the legal process. Contact us today at 463-219-2612 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case.