Not What the Doctor Ordered – Florida Pharmacist’s License Threatened for Pocketing Prescriptions
Altering his patients’ prescriptions so he could pocket their Percocet and oxycodone was probably the farthest thing from a Florida pharmacist’s mind when he first obtained his professional license more than 20 years ago. Like many in the profession, Anthony Palumbo probably entered the field of pharmacy valuing the opportunity to directly impact patients and their health in a rewarding, respected career.
All it took was getting caught once to send his career into a tailspin. He’s now facing the possibility of disciplinary action, following an emergency suspension of his professional license. It’s the kind of story many in the fields of health and medicine can relate to. These professions in particular can come with high degrees of stress, burnout, and trauma, and this can lead to substance use and abuse. Even those thriving in their careers and not experiencing stress can develop problems with drugs or other substances.
There’s also a narrow, if not nonexistent, margin of error in the health and medical fields. There is very little room, if any, for lapses in judgment, consequential errors, negligence, or inconsistency. This puts you and your career at a greater risk for scrutiny.
If you are in a situation like this and facing the loss of your professional license, reach out right away to the Professional License Defense Team at the LLF National Law Firm at 888.535.3686 or tell us about your case online. We represent licensed professionals throughout the country, and we will help you navigate your path forward for the best possible outcome.
Substance Abuse: An Automatic License Loss?
Struggling with a substance use disorder or an addiction shouldn’t be an automatic career killer. State professional licensing boards know that licensed healthcare professionals face these sorts of challenges day in and day out, just like everyone else.
Fortunately, today there is help for professionals needing substance use disorder treatment that doesn’t automatically involve losing their job. If you’re in a similar predicament, you should know that many states offer alternative routes to making up for mistakes, such as voluntary enrollment in a treatment program. These programs provide an immersive treatment that removes you from actively practicing long enough to establish that you can safely return to work.
This may be a way to avoid formal disciplinary proceedings after a substance-related infraction. If you are struggling with alcohol, prescription medication abuse, or a problem with another type of drug, enrolling in a treatment program may be a major step in the right direction, helping you heal, stay clean, and keep your career.
Alternative Programs: Know Before You Go
Before you commit to a program like this, though, it’s wise to get as much information as possible and to know about all of the program’s requirements. Familiarize yourself with the program’s complex set of requirements you’ll need to meet to avoid discipline, should you decide to accept this route.
Why do we recommend this? Agreeing to a treatment program can have long-term consequences for your career. For example, enrolling could be interpreted as an admission of guilt if you are under investigation.
Consult an Attorney Before Signing on the Dotted Line
This is why it’s so important to speak with an attorney to discuss your options and receive treatment with all of the information available. Do be open to the idea of getting help, but also be aware of what accepting an invitation to a treatment program can mean for you as you think about your career outlook.
Are You Under Investigation by Your State Licensing Board?
Has there already been an incident for which you are under investigation? If your license is at risk, or if it has been suspended or revoked, it’s important not to panic, however difficult that may be. Every day, there are healthcare professionals who make honest mistakes, as well as those who make terrible decisions. Don’t wait to seek legal guidance. Don’t wait to contact the Professional License Defense Team at the LLF National Law Firm at 888.535.3686 or tell us about your case online.
Seeking help if you are struggling is the hardest thing you may ever do, but it could very well be the best thing you ever do. How you go about it can make all the difference. If you feel it may only be a matter of time before your addiction or substance use disorder claims your license or career, know there is help available. You are strongly urged to seek support.