What Happened
Dr. Eric Benson, an internist practicing in Post Falls, Idaho, agreed in November 2021 to pay $110,000 to resolve allegations that he unlawfully prescribed opioids and other controlled substances to patients between 2014 and 2021. The government alleged the prescriptions lacked a legitimate medical purpose and were issued outside the usual course of professional practice, and that they caused false claims to Medicare and Medicaid. The settlement, based in part on his ability to pay, also restricts his capacity to take on new patients already being prescribed opioids. There was no admission or determination of liability.
“agreed to pay $110,000 to resolve allegations that he unlawfully prescribed opioids and other controlled substances to patients between 2014-2021”
Related Guidance
- 15 Red Flags of Drug Diversion — Behavioral and transactional indicators of diversion.
- Investigation Playbook — How to investigate suspected diversion inside an organization.