What Happened
In September 2024, Dr. Edgar Ross, 70, of Boston, a physician who practiced at Brigham and Women's Hospital, agreed to pay $25,000 in civil penalties to settle allegations that he violated the Controlled Substances Act by prescribing opioids outside the usual course of professional practice. Ross admitted that for one patient he prescribed a mix of controlled substances, including opioids, without always documenting the risks appropriately, and gave early refills on request. After multiple hospitalizations and an overdose, the hospital arranged for another physician to take over the patient's treatment. Ross also entered a Memorandum of Agreement with the DEA requiring an independent compliance monitor for three years.
“agreed to pay $25,000 in civil penalties to settle allegations that he violated the Controlled Substances Act”
Related Guidance
- 15 Red Flags of Drug Diversion — Behavioral and transactional indicators of diversion.
- Investigation Playbook — How to investigate suspected diversion inside an organization.