ROANOKE, Va – In a disturbing trend, some Virginia physicians and healthcare providers have been caught improperly prescribing life-sustaining medications to themselves, their families, and others without a legitimate medical purpose, according to a joint statement from U.S. Attorneys Thomas Cullen and Zachary Terwilliger.
At a time when many doctors, nurses, and first responders are risking their health and personal safety to treat those affected by the coronavirus, it is incredibly disturbing that a selfish minority in that field may be undermining these valiant efforts by prescribing outside legitimate medical practice.
The U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia, as part of their joint COVID-19 Fraud Task Force, will be closely monitoring this disturbing trend and are prepared to investigate potential violations of federal and state law committed by any individuals or entities, including physicians, dentists, and other healthcare providers, related to these prescription drugs.
“At a time when many doctors, nurses, and first responders are risking their health and personal safety to treat those affected by the coronavirus, it is incredibly disturbing that a selfish minority in that field may be undermining these valiant efforts by prescribing outside legitimate medical practice,” said U.S. Attorney Cullen.
Physicians and pharmacists were reminded by Virginia Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver that these life-sustaining medications should only be dispensed under specified limited circumstances based on legitimate medical need.
“Our office is committed to protecting the public at this critical time, including Virginians who rely on life-sustaining prescription drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Terwilliger. “We will act swiftly in coordination with our law enforcement partners to safeguard these critical medications for those who need them against healthcare providers who improperly dispense them.”
Those who believe they have been victims of fraud can report it to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva, or the FBI at https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx.
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Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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