On July 23, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that a federal jury convicted Dr. Adrian Dexter Talbot, 58, of Slidell, Louisiana, of conspiring to distribute over 1.8 million doses of Schedule II controlled substances, including oxycodone and morphine, and defrauding health care benefit programs of more than $5.4 million.
Dr. Talbot owned and operated Medex Clinical Consultants in Slidell. According to the DOJ, the clinic accepted cash payments from individuals seeking prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances despite signs that many of these individuals were drug-seeking or abusing the prescribed drugs. Dr. Talbot took a full-time job in Pineville, Louisiana, in 2015. The government emphasized the fact that he continued to use pre-signed prescriptions for patients he did not see or examine. In 2016, he hired another practitioner who also purportedly pre-signed prescriptions for cash at Dr. Talbot’s direction.
The government also claimed that individuals used their insurance benefits to fill these prescriptions, which led to billing health care benefit programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, for prescriptions that were issued without proper patient examinations or determinations of medical necessity.
Dr. Talbot was convicted of one count of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute and dispense controlled substances, four counts of unlawfully distributing and dispensing controlled substances, one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, and one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 23 and faces a maximum penalty of 110 years in prison.
If you are a clinic owner, it is essential to implement rigorous compliance programs, conduct regular audits, establish clear prescription guidelines, and closely monitor staff practices. Maintaining accurate records is crucial, as is staying informed on legal changes. Consulting legal experts when necessary, can help ensure that your clinic operates within legal and ethical boundaries, protecting against potential criminal or civil litigation and/or investigations.
The attorneys at Chilivis Grubman represent clients of all types and sizes in connection with white-collar criminal investigations and healthcare fraud investigations. If you have any concerns or need guidance regarding healthcare regulations and compliance, we would be happy to assist. Additionally, if you are currently under investigation or involved in litigation, our experts can help you navigate these challenging issues. If you need assistance with such a matter, please contact us today.