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Unauthorized Prescriptions
A pharmacy called regarding our employee's phoning in prescriptions for herself using my DEA number. What should I do?
This is an unfortunate but frequently asked question. First examine your records and determine if possible the extent of the problem. Examine any emergency supplies and samples to determine if diversion has occurred within your practice as well. If you discover controlled substance diversion you should consider notifying the DEA. This is especially important if the substances were possibly sold to others.
Your human resource policy should address use of drugs and alcohol by employees. Human Resource Policy for your practice which provides for random and for cause drug screens of employees will be of value in these situations. The employee under investigation should be taken out of clinical care until the investigation is resolved. Disciplinary measures are your decision. However, reporting of the offense to the licensing board responsible for the professional license of the individual may be required. You may also consider counseling the employee and offering assistance obtaining a rehabilitation program. Finally, you should consider seeking advice from a licensed attorney to resolve any legal issues associated with your responsibilities and liabilities as an employer in this situation.
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The risk management advice presented in this Site is intended as general information of interest to physicians and other healthcare professionals. The recommendations and advice published on this Site do not reflect or establish a standard of care and do not establish rules for the practice of medicine. The publication of this information is not intended as an offer to insure such conditions or exposures, or to indicate that MAG Mutual Insurance Company will underwrite such risks for the reader. Our liability is limited to the specific written terms and conditions of actual insurance policies issued.
