By: Christopher A. Parrella, Esq., CPC, CHC, CPCO
Parrella Health Law, Boston, Ma.
A Health Law Defense and Compliance Firm

On June 21st, a federal jury convicted Dr. Merideth Norris of Kennebunk, Maine, for unlawfully distributing controlled substances, including oxycodone, hydromorphone, and fentanyl. Dr. Norris, aged 53, prescribed these substances to patients as the government alleged without legitimate medical purposes and outside the usual professional practice. Despite multiple warnings from pharmacists, insurance companies, and a central block by Walmart pharmacies, Norris continued her prescribing practices.

The jury found Norris guilty on 15 counts of unlawful distribution. She now faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count, with sentencing to be determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutory factors.

This conviction underscores the Justice Department’s commitment to combating the unlawful distribution of controlled substances and ensuring that medical professionals adhere to legal and ethical standards in their prescribing practices.

For more information or assistance on healthcare compliance and legal investigations or on implementing compliant controlled substance protocols in your physician practice or pharmacy, contact Parrella Health Law at 857.328.0382 or email me directly at cparrella@parrellahealthlaw.com. Our team is dedicated to providing expert legal guidance and support to ensure your organization adheres to its regulatory requirements.

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.)