What Happened

Joseph H. Kirkwood, D.D.S., a Grand Rapids, Michigan dentist, agreed in December 2021 to pay $200,000 to resolve allegations that he violated the Controlled Substances Act by writing illegitimate controlled substance prescriptions for other individuals and collecting the drugs for his own use. The settlement also resolved allegations that he forged prescriptions using the signatures and DEA registration numbers of two other dentists. He surrendered his DEA registration and agreed not to reapply for a new registration for four years. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, with no determination of liability.

“has agreed to pay $200,000 to resolve allegations that he violated the Controlled Substances Act by forging and issuing illegitimate prescriptions for narcotics”

U.S. Department of Justice / U.S. Attorney's Office press release, Dec 8, 2021

Related Guidance

Sources