National DEA Dentist Investigation Lawyer

Attorneys Representing Dentists Throughout the U.S. in DEA Inspections and Audits

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulates the manufacture, distribution, and use of controlled substances in the U.S., including monitoring medical providers who prescribe and dispense these drugs. While much of the DEA's focus is placed on doctors and pharmacies, dentists may also come under scrutiny based on drugs prescribed to patients or controlled substances used during dental procedures. A skilled DEA registration defense attorney can provide legal help and representation for dentists in an audit or investigation.

At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc., we regularly represent medical professionals who are being investigated by the DEA or who are facing other issues that affect their professional licenses and their ability to practice. We have a great deal of experience in cases involving providers who prescribe or dispense controlled substances, and we are prepared to work with you and make sure you provide the right information and take the proper measures to protect your DEA registration and avoid consequences to your dental license or your practice.

Areas of Concern in DEA Dentist Inspections and Investigations

A DEA audit may be performed as a matter of routine, or the DEA may feel that an investigation is necessary due to concerns about a dentist's prescribing practices or the use of controlled substances. The DEA will usually be looking to uncover and prevent drug diversion and trafficking, and if it finds that a dentist has violated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), it may take action to suspend or revoke a DEA registration, or it may turn a case over to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution. Loss of DEA registration will often lead to the suspension or revocation of a provider's dental license, as well as other issues, such as loss of provider status with insurance companies.

During an inspection, audit, or investigation, the DEA will usually review a dental practice's records, including inventory records for any controlled substances kept on hand and patient records related to prescriptions or controlled substances administered during dental procedures. Agents may also examine a dentist office's inventory of controlled substances, take samples, and interview staff members. Issues that the DEA may be looking for include:

• Controlled substances that were prescribed or administered outside the scope of a dentist's practice.
• Prescriptions for controlled substances that were not medically necessary.
• Prescriptions issued without a documented relationship between a dental provider and a patient.
• Failure to properly store or dispose of controlled substances.
• A lack of proper security measures to ensure that controlled substances or prescription pads will not be stolen.
• "Black bagging," or transporting controlled substances from one office or medical/dental facility to another without following the proper procedures.
• Failure to maintain adequate records related to the storage or administration of controlled substances or prescriptions issued to patients.
• Information that was falsified or misrepresented on a DEA registration application.

Dentists must usually give informed consent for the DEA to perform an inspection or investigation, although in some cases, the DEA may obtain an administrative search warrant that will require a registrant to comply with any requests. The DEA may also ask a dentist to voluntarily surrender their DEA registration in order to avoid further consequences. Before agreeing to an investigation, releasing any records or other information, or surrendering a controlled substance registration, dentists should consult with an attorney to determine how they should proceed.

Contact a United States DEA Dentist Inspection Attorney

The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc. can provide the legal help you need during a DEA investigation or audit. We will make sure you understand your rights and legal options, and we will help you demonstrate that you are in compliance with the laws and regulations related to controlled substances. If the DEA attempts to suspend or revoke your controlled substance registration, we will represent you in an administrative hearing and fight to make sure you can continue practicing dentistry. To set up a complimentary consultation, contact us today at 630-310-1267.