A Rowland Heights Osteopath physician is turning the blame on patient overdoses on the patients instead of herself, where she feels officials are trying to put it. Her license to prescribe drugs has been suspended for the time being as federal officials investigate her role in at least 8 deaths over the past few years.
According to the LA Times, officials believe she is “an imminent danger to public health and safety.” She is quoted as saying, “I really believe that I did nothing wrong, I was really strict…and I followed the guidelines. If my patient decides to take a month’s supply in a day, there’s nothing I can do about that.”
She has been under investigation since 2007 for prescribing narcotics like oxycodone and even methadone without “properly assessing her patients’ needs or apparent addictions”. Although she is not facing any charges yet, DEA agents and investigators from the state Medical Board spent the day removing paperwork and computer records from her office.
Prescription drug abuse has exploded within the last decade and recently states have really begun cracking down on the sources—often doctors. While this particular physician claims no wrong doing, others run what’s referred to as “pill mills” where patients can go in with a complaint and receive a prescription, no questions asked.
Because prescription drugs purchased on the black market have to be obtained through a physician in most cases, officials want to be certain that these doctors are prescribing drugs to the right people—people who truly need them.
In some cases a drug dealer who provides a user with drugs can be charged if an overdose results in death. With physicians, however, it’s a little different. For most of us, we are only legally entitled to possess the drugs which are prescribed to us.
If you are found in possession of prescription drugs and they aren’t yours, you can face criminal charges. You can even be charged with DUI if you are found to be under the influence of such drugs while driving. The difference is, if you are impaired by prescription drugs behind the wheel, you can be charged even if they are prescribed to you.
Sometimes, however, criminal charges like these are the catalyst for people that need help. In certain situations, you may qualify for a Proposition 36 on your case. This is for people who are considered in need of in treatment help for drug addiction.
There are also drug courts throughout the state which are focused more on getting help than locking you up and throwing away the key.
If you are facing drug charges—you have options. Call our attorneys today to discuss what those are and how we can help you.