Healthcare Facility Rx Drug Diversion – Medically Unnecessary
A 74-year-old Wailuku physician was arrested Tuesday for allegedly prescribing drugs outside of his practice and without a legitimate medical purpose.
Chris Boulange was charged with four counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances, including hydrocodone, alprazolam (also known as Xanax) and diazepam (also known as Valium). He made his initial appearance Wednesday before Magistrate Judge Wes Reber Porter, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Hawaii District.
In June, an undercover agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration sought an appointment with Boulange, posing as a new patient seeking a prescription of opioids, according to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint. Between July and November, the undercover agent met with Boulange four times, each time at a restaurant or bar rather than a medical office.
After each of the meetings, Boulange issued prescriptions of hydrocodone to the undercover agent. One of the prescriptions also included alprazolam and another included diazepam. The complaint states that each of the prescriptions was issued outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose.
“Licensed physicians have the ability to provide potentially dangerous addictive drugs that are otherwise illegal to possess,” U.S. Attorney for Hawaii Clare Connors said in a news release Wednesday. “Criminally abusing the privilege to prescribe such drugs may result in criminal prosecution.”
Hydrocodone is a moderately potent, orally available opioid that, in combination with acetaminophen, is widely used for treatment of acute or chronic pain, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Alprazolam and diazepam belong to a class of medications called benzodiazepines, which are primarily used for sedation. All three medications, both individually and in combination with each other, are in high demand by illicit drug users.
“Trusted medical professionals who abuse their medical license to unlawfully distribute opioids ultimately contribute to the deadly opioid epidemic affecting our communities,” said DEA Honolulu District Office Assistant Special Agent in Charge Victor Vazquez. “Whether a street drug dealer or a physician, we will hold any individual accountable who peddle addictive drugs and threaten the safety of the American people.”
The charges were filed on March 2. Each of the four counts carries a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years and a fine of up to $1 million.
The DEA is investigating the case along with the Hawaii State Sheriff’s Division, the Honolulu Police Department and the Maui Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Albanese is prosecuting the case.
Tags: Alprazolam Healthcare Fraud Hydrocodone Medically Unnecessary Opioid Crisis Provider Arrest
