PORTLAND, Maine – A Maine veterinarian is facing scrutiny over allegations of violating the Controlled Substances Act. Dr. Alan Toothaker, DVM, agreed to pay $145,360 to resolve claims he improperly stored controlled substances and maintained inadequate recordkeeping practices.
The settlement announced today resolves allegations that Dr. Toothaker improperly stored controlled substances; failed to keep appropriate records of controlled substances stored, dispensed, or distributed by the veterinary practice; and did not conduct regular inventories.
According to the allegations, in May 2023 and July 2023, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was unable to conduct an audit at Dr. Toothaker’s registered location due to record keeping deficiencies. The resulting inspection revealed several issues, including:
Minimal oversight of the ordering, receiving, and handling of controlled substances, creating an opportunity for significant diversion of controlled substances, particularly Tramadol.
Controlled substances stored in safes with non-controlled substances, and employees having unsupervised access.
Incomplete recordkeeping resulting in unaccounted-for controlled substances purchased, dispensed, or administered.
Continual refills of prescriptions.
Transferring of controlled substances to a second practice location for which Dr. Toothaker did not maintain a registration.
“The DEA investigation revealed a practice that lacked adequate security and oversight, making it difficult, if not impossible, to determine whether controlled substances were missing, who took them or even when they went missing,” said U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee. “Particularly amid an opioid crisis, that is concerning. All DEA registrants have an obligation to maintain complete records, and it is an essential practice to prevent potentially addictive medications from being diverted from the legitimate drug supply.”
Dr. Alan Toothaker, DVM, Maine veterinarian, 2023 – Dr. Toothaker agreed to pay $145,360 to resolve claims he improperly stored controlled substances and maintained inadequate recordkeeping practices, allegedly violating the Controlled Substances Act.
PORTLAND, Maine (May) – Dr. Alan Toothaker, DVM (Defendant/respondent REAL full name or legal entity name) allegedly violated the Controlled Substances Act through improper storage of controlled substances and recordkeeping violations. The settlement announced today resolves these claims.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Dr. Alan Toothaker agreed to pay $145,360 in penalties as a result of the settlement.
Key Facts
- State: Maine
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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