The opioid epidemic in the United States has led to an increase in cases involving prescription fraud. As a pharmacist, one may be at risk of facing criminal charges if state and federal laws are not carefully followed for distributing controlled substances. Pharmacists should be knowledgeable of the signs of prescription fraud and remain vigilant in efforts to distribute prescriptions legally.
Signs of suspicious prescriptions
Along with doctors, nurses and drugmakers, pharmacists are being charged and indicted with prescription drug fraud as the Government battles the current opioid epidemic. Recognizing and reporting the signs of prescription drug fraud can prevent pharmacists from being charged. Some of the signs include:
- Prescriptions which appear to be written on stolen pads
- Fictitious names on the prescription
- Altered prescriptions
- Prescriptions for larger quantities than is considered typical
- A patient trying to fill prescriptions issued under multiple names
Anytime you suspect prescription fraud, you should contact the relevant medical provider. Doing so may not prevent every case of fraud, but it is an effective means of protecting yourself from criminal accusations.
If you still find yourself accused of fraud despite your best efforts, it’s essential that you seek advice from a skilled legal professional as soon as possible. You are entitled to representation and it is our advice that you do not speak to an investigation without legal counsel.
