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Avoid Committing This Healthcare Crime
Prescription drug fraud has become a widespread concern across the United States, particularly in California. Here, drug addicts may unfortunately resort to fraudulent activities to fuel their addictions in environments dedicated to maintaining health and well-being, such as doctors’ offices.
The prevalence of prescription drug fraud in the U.S., especially California, can raise questions. People place their trust in medical professionals, such as nurses and doctors, believing they act with the patient’s best interests in mind while addressing medical issues and providing health care. These professionals typically undergo over a decade of education and training, including extensive schooling, residency programs, and state licensing, to prepare for their roles in healthcare.
However, the reality is that even the most seasoned medical professionals may find it challenging to detect prescription fraud, regardless of their years of experience.
California Prescription Drug Fraud Laws
In California, prescription drug fraud is not taken lightly. According to the California Health and Safety Code 11368, individuals who engage in the following fraudulent acts may face serious consequences, including imprisonment in a county jail or state prison for 6 months to 1 year:
- Forging or altering a prescription
- Issuing or uttering an altered prescription
- Issuing or uttering a prescription with a forged or fictitious signature for any narcotic drug
- Obtaining any narcotic drug through a forged, fictitious, or altered prescription
- Possessing any narcotic drug acquired via a forged, fictitious, or altered prescription
Additionally, the California Health and Safety Code 11173 states that it is unlawful for any individual to obtain or attempt to obtain controlled substances through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, subterfuge, or by concealing material facts. Illegally, it includes the following actions:
- Making false statements in prescriptions, orders, reports, or records
- Misrepresenting oneself as a manufacturer, wholesaler, pharmacist, physician, dentist, veterinarian, registered nurse, physician’s assistant, or any authorized person to gain access to controlled substances
- Attaching any false or forged label to a package or receptacle containing controlled substances
Types of Fraudulent Prescriptions
The Diversion Control Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) outlines several examples of prescription fraud that highlight the various methods individuals may employ:
- Stealing authentic prescription pads from physicians’ offices and making prescriptions for nonexistent patients
- Altering a physician’s prescription to obtain more than the amount legitimately prescribed
- Acquiring prescription pads from a legitimate doctor and printing them with a different call-back number answered by an accomplice to verify the prescription
- Calling in prescriptions in one’s name while providing their own telephone number as the call-back confirmation
- Using computers to create fraudulent prescriptions for fictitious doctors or replicating legitimate prescriptions
Accused? You’ve Come to the Right Place
If you are facing accusations related to prescription drug fraud, the Law Offices of Nabiel C. Ahmed is ready to advocate for your rights. Based in Oakland, California, our drug crime lawyer is dedicated to helping clients navigate such challenging legal situations. With over a decade of experience, we are equipped to assist you in tackling the serious charges that could profoundly impact your life.
Don’t hesitate; call 510-576-5544 today to consult with our knowledgeable criminal defense attorney who will work tirelessly to represent your case and safeguard your best interests!
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