Indiana DEA Physician Assistant Investigation Lawyer

Attorney for DEA Drug Trafficking Investigations and Defense of a Physician Assistant's Controlled Substance Registration

There are multiple ways that medical professionals may become involved in drug trafficking, and a provider's practices of prescribing or dispensing drugs may be investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Physician assistants may find themselves under investigation in these cases, and if the DEA believes that they have committed drug diversion, it may pursue different forms of legal action against a person. These actions could affect a physician assistant's DEA controlled substance registration, and they may no longer be able to prescribe or dispense certain types of drugs. Other areas of their practice may also be affected, and they could face discipline to their professional license or lose their status as a provider through Medicare or Medicaid.

To protect against penalties that may prevent them from treating patients and limit their career opportunities, a physician assistant will need to determine how to proceed during a DEA investigation or how to respond to actions taken against their controlled substance registration or their medical license. They can do so by working with a lawyer who understands the legal issues that affect these cases and who has experience representing clients in DEA matters. At the Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, LLC, we know how these issues can affect a person's practice and career, and we are dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients and helping them resolve these situations effectively.

Investigations of Controlled Substance Prescribing Practices

In recent years, the use and abuse of opioids has become a major concern in the United States. Because of this, the DEA is working to address the misuse of multiple different types of prescription medications. It is especially concerned with drug diversion and drug trafficking, including in cases where controlled substances are prescribed to patients without a valid medical reason, allowing these drugs to be sold or distributed to others.

The DEA may investigate a physician assistant based on patterns of prescribing controlled substances that may be suspicious. Large numbers of prescriptions for these drugs issued to patients on a regular basis may be a sign of drug diversion, especially if people travel a long distance to visit a provider or if they are not regular patients of a medical office. Prescriptions for high doses of opioids may also be a reason for DEA agents to suspect that these drugs are being used for illegal purposes.

During an investigation, the DEA may review medical records to determine whether a physician assistant has followed the proper practices when prescribing medications. It may look at whether a provider performed complete medical examinations and properly reviewed patients' histories. DEA agents may also review the other forms of treatment provided to patients to determine whether a physician assistant took the proper steps to prevent drug abuse by helping patients understand alternative forms of treatment that may be used to manage pain or other health issues. If a provider regularly prescribed opioids or other drugs to patients while only performing cursory examinations and failing to fully review their medical histories, this may lead the DEA to believe that they are engaging in drug trafficking or other illegal activities involving controlled substances.

Contact Our Indiana DEA Physician Assistant Defense Attorney

Physician assistants can provide patients with essential care, ensuring that they receive the proper treatments to address their medical needs. However, they may need to respond to claims that they have engaged in illegal practices involving prescribing or administering controlled substances. To defend against the loss of a DEA registration, discipline to their medical license, or other consequences, physician assistants will want to secure legal representation from an experienced attorney. To learn how our firm can help physician assistants address these issues, contact us and set up a complimentary consultation by calling 463-219-2612.