Indiana DEA Doctor Investigation Attorney

Lawyer Helping Physicians Respond to DEA Investigations Involving Drug Diversion

Doctors, including physicians, specialists, surgeons, and other providers of medical care, often work with controlled substances. Opioids or other medications may be prescribed for a variety of purposes, or they may be administered to patients at doctor's offices or hospitals. Unfortunately, the abuse of certain types of drugs is an ongoing concern in the United States, and in some cases, doctors may face investigations related to their prescribing practices or other issues involving controlled substances. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) may look into these matters, and if it believes that action is warranted, it may take steps to suspend or revoke a doctor's controlled substance registration, or federal officials may even pursue criminal charges for drug diversion and trafficking.

Physicians and other medical professionals who are being investigated by the DEA or who have been accused of drug diversion will need to determine how to respond to these issues. A lawyer who is experienced in matters related to controlled substances and professional licensing can help a doctor protect their rights and avoid discipline or other consequences. The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc. provides legal help and representation in DEA investigations and administrative hearings, and we can help doctors understand their options in these cases. We are prepared to work with you to respond to requests by the DEA, protect your ability to work with controlled substances, and avoid other penalties that may affect your medical practice.

Unlawful Prescribing Practices and Drug Diversion

DEA investigations will often be based on the suspicion that a doctor has engaged in unlawful prescribing of controlled substances. Certain patterns may indicate that a doctor regularly issues prescriptions that allow drugs to be used for purposes that are not necessary to treat legitimate medical conditions. For example, a medical office may be open during irregular hours, and a doctor may see a large number of patients, including people who travel long distances or who do not have a history with the provider. These issues may be seen as signs that a doctor is involved in a drug trafficking conspiracy or is accepting payments in return for issues prescriptions when they are not medically necessary.

When investigating a doctor, the DEA may review multiple types of records to determine whether drug diversion has occurred. DEA agents may look at prescription logs and lists of patients who have received prescriptions for controlled substances to determine whether excessive numbers of prescriptions have been issued or whether a doctor regularly prescribes opioids or other medications at doses that may be higher than necessary. Agents may also review the procedures followed by a medical practice, including whether a doctor performs complete medical examinations before issuing prescriptions for controlled substances or whether a practice requires patients to agree to pain management plans meant to prevent drug abuse. A medical office's security procedures and inventory of medications and samples may also be reviewed to determine whether it has allowed drugs or prescription pads to be stolen and used for illegal purposes.

Contact Our Indiana DEA Physician Investigation Lawyer

The DEA may view a doctor's practices involving controlled substances with suspicion, and even if a provider follows the correct procedures, they may face scrutiny of the prescriptions they have written or other issues that may indicate that they have been involved in drug diversion. Determining the best ways to respond to investigations can be difficult, and doctors will want to make sure they take the correct steps to demonstrate that they have acted legally and appropriately when providing treatment. Our firm can advise doctors and other medical providers on how to address issues related to the DEA, and we will work to ensure that a person can avoid penalties that may affect their ability to practice medicine. To arrange a free consultation and learn how we can help with issues related to controlled substances or medical license discipline, contact us by calling 463-219-2612.