NCJ Number
94392
Date Published
1984
Length
5 pages
Annotation
A few physicians take advantage of their position to sell or dispense drugs illegally. Investigation of these doctors requires persistence and undercover work.
Abstract
The classic 'doctor bust' is the result of one or more undercover buys, usually by a police officer who obtains controlled drugs. Repetition is important. One incident of poor medical practice lends itself to excuses, even if the incident is a serious one. Several incidents, involving repeated buys by the same person or similar buys by undercover agents, are more difficult to explain. Prosecutors do not generally like doctor cases. Only substantial evidence is required to bring a case before court. Many States do not have the capacity to take effective action against practitioners who violate their authority. Organized crime interests often recruit failed and corrupt doctors to write prescriptions, knowing that the inability of the States to withdraw prescribing authority from these medical practitioners provides them with a substantial loophole. Officers should observe clinics to ascertain that they are legitimate and not mere prescription clinics. A sophisticated version of the prescription clinic is the pain or stress clinic. A discussion guide and a brief quiz are included.