Case of a Lubbock Cardiologist: Misuse of Opioids and Settlement
Introduction to the Case
A Lubbock cardiologist has agreed to pay more than $1 million in a settlement following allegations he used the names of friends and family members to prescribe opioids to himself. Dr. Juan Kurdi was accused of issuing prescriptions for medications such as Oxycodone and Vyvanse under the names of his family members and friends that were for his personal use, according to a news release from acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District Nancy E. Larson.
Statement from the U.S. Attorney
“Prescribing opioids and other dangerous narcotics outside the usual course of professional practice betrays the trust placed in physicians by society and threatens public safety,” Larson said in the release. “This settlement demonstrates our office’s commitment to holding doctors accountable for violating their obligations to properly prescribe these powerful drugs.”
Details of the Settlement
Kurdi will pay $1,200,000 as part of the settlement and admitted to prescribing certain opioids in the names of family members and friends including Oxycodone. However, the settlement is not an admission of liability from Kurdi, who has also agreed to relinquish his registration with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Method of Obtaining the Medication
Kurdi, who is an interventional cardiologist and co-owned a medical practice in Lubbock, would fill the prescriptions at pharmacies in the Lubbock area, despite some of the purported patients residing hundreds of miles away, settlement documents say. At times, he collected the medication himself, according to the release.
Statement from the DEA
“This case should serve as a strong warning to all physicians who knowingly prescribe controlled substances without a legitimate medical need or a proper doctor-patient relationship,” acting Special Agent in Charge Joseph B. Tucker said. “The DEA will continue to aggressively target and hold accountable physicians who, like Dr. Kurdi, contribute to the poisoning crisis in our communities by improperly distributing these controlled substances.”
Related Cases
This case is not isolated, as there have been other instances of misuse of opioids and other substances by medical professionals. For example, a Texas city employee was sentenced for stealing $121,000 in HUD funds to get free rent and more. Former residents of the Cooper apartment complex in Fort Worth also filed a lawsuit.
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Conclusion
The case of Dr. Juan Kurdi serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in the medical profession, particularly when it comes to the prescription of powerful drugs like opioids. The settlement and relinquishment of his registration with the DEA demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement to holding medical professionals accountable for their actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was Dr. Kurdi accused of?
Dr. Kurdi was accused of issuing prescriptions for medications such as Oxycodone and Vyvanse under the names of his family members and friends that were for his personal use.
Q: How much did Dr. Kurdi agree to pay in the settlement?
Dr. Kurdi agreed to pay $1,200,000 as part of the settlement.
Q: What is the DEA’s stance on this case?
The DEA views this case as a strong warning to all physicians who knowingly prescribe controlled substances without a legitimate medical need or a proper doctor-patient relationship. They will continue to aggressively target and hold accountable physicians who contribute to the poisoning crisis in communities by improperly distributing these controlled substances.
Q: What can be learned from this case?
This case highlights the importance of accountability in the medical profession, particularly when it comes to the prescription of powerful drugs like opioids. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of misusing these substances and the importance of proper prescribing practices.
