In April of 2025, a doctor and an RN in Pennsylvania were charged with taking prescription drugs from the hospitals where they worked. The nurse is charged with taking medications such as Oxycodone and Morphine at least 18 times. The doctor in question admitted to taking Ketamine a dozen or fewer times for his personal use. Both these professionals face license discipline in addition to the charges. The charges resulted from a system-wide audit.

If you are a medical professional accused of drug diversion, call the Lento Law Firm. We have a proven track record of defending doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. Do not sign a consent decree without speaking with us first. Call the Lento Law Firm License Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or submit your details online, and we will contact you.

What is Drug Diversion?

The exact definition of drug diversion varies by state, but drug diversion refers to the taking of prescription medication from its intended use to another use. Nurses, doctors, and healthcare professionals are most likely to be accused of drug diversion because they often have the authority to prescribe or administer medications. Drugs may be diverted to sell, or for the use of a family member, as well as for the personal use of the person taking them.

The drugs may be taken from a patient, or they may be retained by a medical professional instead of disposing of or “wasting” them. In other cases, medical professionals may substitute or dilute medications given to patients to retain medications for their own purposes.

Drug Diversion is Common Among Medical Professionals

Among health professionals, drug use and diversion are incredibly common. A recent study showed that 69% of doctors admit to using a prescription medication in an unauthorized way at least once during their careers. Drug diversion is also common among nurses, with nurses responsible for around 30 percent of drug diversions in 2020. Nurses often deal with pain as a result of job injuries, stress, and easy access to medications. These job stressors can lead to drug addiction or misuse.

Penalties for Drug Diversion

Medical licensing boards take accusations of drug diversions seriously, and they often issue severe punishments. The consequences of drug diversion by a medical professional can include:

• License revocation.
• License suspension.
• Substance abuse treatment and monitoring.

If you face allegations of drug diversion, you can still save your medical license if you take swift and decisive action.

How the Lento Law Firm Can Help

If you have been accused of misuse of prescription medications, you must call the experienced attorneys at the Lento Law Firm immediately. Doctors and nurses who are receptive to treatment and monitoring are much more likely to preserve their licenses and to continue their careers. We know it's hard, but action now may protect you and your family for years to come. Call the Lento Law Firm today to plan your response to drug misuse charges. If you have already been suspended for drug-related issues, we may be able to help you appeal or apply for reinstatement. Call the Lento Law Firm License Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or submit your details online, and we will contact you.