Oklahoma City – A dramatic turn of events in the world of healthcare as Comanche County Memorial Hospital, along with physicians Scott Michener, Michael Ramos, and nurse practitioner Ernestine Olson, agree to fork over a combined $155,000 to settle civil penalty claims. These penalties arise from allegations they violated the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, according to United States Attorney Timothy J. Downing.
Much like the pages of a thrilling novel, the story centers around Michener, Ramos, and Olson – medical providers who worked in clinics associated with Comanche County Memorial Hospital in Lawton. The U.S. government alleges that from October 10, 2016, to October 19, 2018, these healthcare professionals failed to maintain proper records for testosterone orders. The hospital’s purchase and delivery records were found wanting – missing the required names, addresses, and DEA registration numbers of the providers receiving controlled substances. And Olson’s records were equally deficient in providing necessary information about the supplier or actual date of receipt.
With this settlement, Comanche County Memorial Hospital has agreed to pay $70,000, while Michener and Ramos each cough up $35,000. Olson faces a slightly lighter penalty of $15,000. The hospital and individual providers have not admitted liability, and the government hasn’t conceded on the legitimacy of the claims. It’s all about avoiding the long-drawn-out, costly battle that litigation would entail.
This investigation was a real-life drama, handled by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Office of Diversion Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ronald R. Gallegos and Amanda R. Johnson led the prosecution in this case.
As the story unfolds, it underscores the gravity with which the law treats violations of drug control regulations, even within the walls of a hospital. The $155,000 settlement is a stark reminder that when it comes to drug laws, no one – not even healthcare professionals – is above the law.
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Key Facts
- State: Oklahoma
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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