Drug Theft by Medical Professions

You are not alone. You are not the first, and you will not be the last medical professional to find themselves addicted to narcotics. You may have rationalized that as a medical professional you knew what you were doing and had things under control. However, when a doctor or nurse diverts narcotics from a hospital's Pyxis system, from patients or other drug distribution system, the consequences are immediate and severe. When the medical professional is caught, and they will be caught, the medical facility will initiate an emergency protocol to ensure patients were not endangered, and to determine the full extent of the theft.

When confronted, the medical professional will usually confess to hospital security and the medical director. At that point, termination or indefinite suspension is normally the only option for the hospital. Notification of the crime is made to the state medical or nursing board. Finally, law enforcement is notified and a criminal investigation is initiated.

I advise medical professionals in this situation to immediately enroll in counseling program approved by the state medical board, begin attending NA, obtain a sponsor, and retain an attorney. Felony charges will be brought. Criminal prosecution could result in Intervention in Lieu of Conviction, Diversion, Community Control sanctions (i.e. probation), or prison. If this is the professional's first offense, then Intervention in Lieu of Conviction is the preferred outcome, but may take several months to complete.

Representing the impaired professional requires an understanding of the nuances of chemical dependency and the professional implications of the charges so the best case can be presented to the prosecutor to mitigate penalties. I have represented medical professions in court and before state boards. If you or someone you know is addicted to narcotics and is employed in the medical field, please call 216.225.9181, Email, or use the contact form to schedule an initial consultation.