Boston Physician Resolves Allegations Of Improper Prescribing Practices Involving Controlled Substances

BOSTON - A physician who practiced at Brigham and Women's Hospital has agreed to pay $25,000 in civil penalties to settle allegations that he violated the Controlled Substances Act by prescribing opioid controlled substances outside the usual course of professional practice.

As part of the settlement agreement, Dr. Edgar Ross, 70, Boston, admitted that, for one patient, he prescribed a mix of controlled substances, including opioids, without always appropriately documenting the risks. Ross also provided early refills in response to the patient's requests. After multiple hospitalizations and an overdose, the hospital arranged for another physician to take over Ross's treatment of the patient.

As part of the settlement, Ross entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the DEA that requires him to work with an independent compliance monitor for three years.

"Safe prescribing of drugs-particularly opioids-is essential to patient and public safety and a priority for our office," said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. "This settlement is an example of how our office and the DEA work to ensure that doctors prescribe dangerous medications only when they are acting within the scope of proper professional practice and with appropriate safeguards in place to prevent and address abuse. We will continue to work with our partners at the DEA to protect patients and enforce the Controlled Substances Act."

"DEA registrants are responsible for handling controlled substances responsibly and ensuring that complete and accurate records are being properly kept and accounted for in compliance with the Controlled Substances Act," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau, Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. "We are committed to working with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to ensure that these rules and regulations are followed."

Under the Controlled Substances Act, physicians and other prescribers registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (the DEA) may only issue prescriptions for a legitimate medical purpose and in the usual course of professional practice.

Acting United States Attorney Levy and DEA ASAC Belleau made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Brazier of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the case.