By: Christopher A. Parrella, Esq., CPC, CHC, CPCO Parrella Health Law, Boston, Ma. A Health Law Defense and Compliance Firm
On September 17, 2024, Dr. Lawrence Peters, a 62-year-old anesthesiologist based in Louisville, Kentucky, pled guilty to conspiring to illegally use another doctor’s Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration number to issue prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances. According to U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Dr. Peters was involved in a scheme within his medical practice that allowed pre-signed and unsigned prescriptions to be issued under a DEA number that did not belong to him. The controlled substances were then dispensed through his physician-owned pharmacy.
This case is part of a larger investigation led by multiple federal and state agencies, including the DEA, FBI, Health and Human Services (HHS), Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and Kentucky State Police. These agencies worked together to uncover the unlawful actions, which posed significant risks to patient safety and contributed to the misuse of controlled substances.
Key Details of the Case
Dr. Peters admitted to directing his medical practice staff to issue prescriptions using the DEA registration number issued to another physician. This illegal activity facilitated the distribution of controlled substances, specifically Schedule II drugs, which are highly regulated due to their potential for abuse. Dr. Peters’ actions circumvented the legal safeguards meant to protect patients and prevent drug abuse.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 12, 2024.
Impact of the Case
This case underscores the ongoing efforts by federal and state authorities to combat illegal prescription practices and healthcare fraud. The collaboration between multiple agencies highlights the seriousness of such offenses, especially in the context of the opioid crisis and the misuse of controlled substances.
Call to Action Healthcare providers must remain vigilant about compliance with DEA regulations and other legal requirements related to controlled substances. If you or your practice are unsure about compliance issues or need guidance on maintaining proper prescription protocols, Parrella Health Law is here to help. We specialize in healthcare compliance, fraud prevention, and defense.
For more information, or if you have any questions regarding DEA registration compliance or other related healthcare legal matters, contact Parrella Health Law at 857-328-0382 or reach out to Christopher A. Parrella directly at cparrella@parrellahealthlaw.com.
We can help ensure your practice operates within the bounds of the law, safeguarding your professional reputation while protecting your livelihood.
Christopher Parrella, ESQ, CPC, CHC, CPCO, is the founding partner of Parrella Health Law in Boston, Mass. The firm focuses exclusively on healthcare defense and compliance matters. Chris also travels the country on behalf of a wide range of healthcare organizations, lecturing on a variety of health care enforcement and compliance topics. Chris is one of a handful of health care attorney’s that are also Certified Professional Coders (CPC) and is a member of the AAPC’s National Legal Advisory Board and Ethics Committee. He is also a Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO) and Certified in Health Care Compliance (CHC.)
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