To say that Florida’s doctors, nurses and other frontline healthcare workers are experiencing extreme stress during the coronavirus pandemic is an understatement. They are working long shifts, watching patients and colleagues become seriously ill and end up in ICU, putting themselves in harm’s way and…
Thousands of nurses throughout the state of Florida have participated in the Intervention Project for Nurses (IPN) since it was established in 1983 as an alternative to disciplinary action for nurses with substance abuse problems. Some have benefited from the program, but many nurses have…
Drug diversion is a serious allegation that could lead to loss of employment, action against your nursing license, and possibly even criminal charges. If you have been accused of diverting drugs from a Pyxis or other automated medication dispensing system, it is important to get…
Nurses have substance abuse problems at a rate similar to the general population. However, for nurses, substance abuse presents a significant problem, since drug or alcohol use can compromise your workplace and jeopardize patient safety. The State of Florida takes this problem very seriously, with…
In the past few years, law enforcement agencies and government attorneys have increased their efforts to investigate, prosecute, and convict doctors and others in the health care field who give or receive kickbacks. In fact, federal kickback cases often involve agents, attorneys and resources from…
Administrative Complaints filed against a doctor with the Florida Department of Health can damage his or her career and long-term professional livelihood. Since virtually any license discipline can have a negative effect on your current employment and future career opportunities, taking prompt, informed action is…
Doctors frequently refer patients to other health care providers, hospitals, and care facilities, usually with their patients’ best interests in mind. Unfortunately, this generally innocuous practice of referring patients to other healthcare providers and facilities, as well as also getting new patients through referrals, can…
“Pill Mill” Legislation and Law Enforcement in Florida Since 2010, when the Florida Medical Examiners Commission’s annual report focused attention on the dramatic increase in deaths related to prescription opioids, the state of Florida has taken aggressive action to combat the opioid epidemic. We’ve seen…
State v. S.L. The client was charged with RICO (Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act), trafficking in hydrocodone, delivery of various controlled substances, and conspiracy to traffic in hydrocodone in 2007 in Jacksonville. The client was an experienced medical professional, dually licensed as an advanced…
