Unlawful Prescriptions Result in $75,000 Fine for Idaho Nurse Practitioner, Loses License

Rachel Peay-Goodman, a nurse practitioner in eastern Idaho, has been fined $75,000 and must forfeit their license after admitting to unlawfully prescribing controlled substances and submitting false claims to Medicare.

Peay-Goodman is held civilly liable for violating the Controlled Substances Act and the False Claims Act. 

"Unlawful prescriptions for dangerous combinations of drugs lead to addiction, overdose, and pain for patients, families, and communities," U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit said after announcing the judgment. 

The complaint by the United States revealed that Peay-Goodman prescribed perilous combinations of drugs to at least one patient. These included concurrent prescriptions for oxycodone, lorazepam, alprazolam, and zolpidem tartrate. The combined prescription of opioids, benzodiazepines, and other sleep medications can potentially suppress the central nervous system, leading to an overdose.

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Steven J. Ryan, Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), echoed Hurwit's sentiments.

Ryan stressed the severe risk to patients from providers prioritizing financial gain over patient needs and prescribing dangerous amounts of controlled substances. He pledged the continued commitment of the HHS-OIG to work with law enforcement partners to address such abuse and protect American patients, communities, and taxpayers from such hazardous conduct.

"HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to address this kind of abuse at every turn and protect American patients, communities, and taxpayers from such dangerous conduct," stated Ryan.

Underscoring Critical Issues

This case underscores several critical issues of national concern in the U.S., including:

• The opioid crisis: The U.S. is grappling with an opioid crisis, with a significant number of overdoses and deaths linked to prescriptions. This case highlights healthcare providers' role in the problem and serves as a reminder for strict regulation and oversight.
• Healthcare fraud: It also brings attention to the issue of healthcare fraud, particularly concerning Medicare. Fraud drains resources and can lead to substandard care. Penalties shown in this case show that such actions are taken seriously.
• Patient safety: This case shows how patients can be at risk and how healthcare providers are responsible for ensuring safe prescribing practices.
• Accountability: The case demonstrates how healthcare providers can be held accountable for their actions when they violate laws that intend to ensure the safety of patients.

This news was originally reported by IdahoNews.