California Prescription Fraud Laws

Prescription fraud in California encompasses deceptive practices where individuals unlawfully obtain prescription medications. Actions such as writing a false prescription, altering a legitimate prescription, or using someone else’s prescription all fall under this category.

What Prescription Drugs Are Most Frequently Abused?

Prescription drug abuse remains a pressing concern not just in California but nationwide. The lure of these drugs often resides in their potent psychoactive effects, which can result in a heightened state of euphoria or relaxation. However, the misuse of such drugs can also lead to addiction, life-threatening complications, and even overdose.

Opioids

Opioids like Oxycodone (often known by its brand name OxyContin) and Hydrocodone (found in medications such as Vicodin) are pain relievers that work by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain, blocking pain signals. This can provide profound relief for those with chronic or severe pain.

However, these medications also produce a euphoric high when taken in larger doses than prescribed. Over time, users might develop a tolerance, leading them to consume even larger doses to achieve the same effect, pushing them into a cycle of dependence and, eventually, addiction.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, such as Alprazolam (popularly known as Xanax), are primarily prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders. These drugs produce a calming effect by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain. While effective in treating anxiety, they can be habit-forming.

Recreational users often misuse them for their sedative effects, leading to cognitive impairments, respiratory issues, and even fatal overdoses, especially when mixed with other depressants like alcohol.

Stimulants

Stimulants like Adderall, which contain amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, are commonly prescribed to treat conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These drugs increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, leading to increased concentration and alertness.

However, they also provide a euphoric sensation, especially when taken in high doses or through methods not recommended (such as inhaling through the nose). This can make them a target for misuse, especially among college students seeking cognitive enhancement or party-goers looking for prolonged energy. Long-term misuse can lead to cardiovascular issues, psychosis, and addiction.

How Do Prescription Fraud Incidents Occur?

Prescription fraud, a growing concern in the medical world, is an illicit means to obtain drugs, often for misuse or sale. This nefarious activity employs a variety of methods, and understanding them can help in prevention and early detection.

Stolen Prescription Pads

One of the most straightforward ways fraudsters obtain drugs illicitly is by stealing prescription pads from unsuspecting medical professionals. Once in possession, they write themselves prescriptions, filling them out with desired drugs and dosages, often choosing potent or highly sought-after medications.

Forging or Altering Prescriptions

Even without stealing a prescription pad, some individuals might get their hands on a legitimate prescription and then alter it. This could be done by changing the drug dosage, the quantity, or even the medication itself. The alterations can be subtle, making it challenging for pharmacists to detect the changes, especially during busy hours.

Doctor Shopping

“Doctor shopping” is a tactic where an individual visits multiple doctors, complaining of ailments that would lead to the prescription of desired drugs. These individuals accumulate a stockpile of medications by seeing several physicians and perhaps using different pharmacies. This method not only harms the person due to potential overdose risks but also stresses the healthcare system.

Digital Deceptions

In our increasingly digital age, technology has provided newer platforms for fraud. Some tech-savvy individuals have resorted to creating counterfeit prescriptions using software programs. They replicate genuine prescriptions, making it hard for a layperson to differentiate between the genuine and the counterfeit. Also, with the rise of telehealth services, there’s a growing concern about the authenticity of digital prescriptions if not adequately safeguarded.

Deceptive Practices Within Medical Institutions

Sometimes, those inside the medical field can be culprits, too. There have been cases where dishonest medical practitioners write false prescriptions, either for personal use, for a close associate, or even for financial gains. Such malpractices erode trust in the medical community and put many at risk.

What to Look for in Forged Prescriptions?

Pharmacists and medical professionals are often trained to spot red flags in prescriptions, such as:

• Unusual handwriting or fonts;
• Altered quantities or dosages;
• Prescriptions for high amounts of commonly abused drugs;
• Suspicious patient or doctor details.

What Are the Elements of Prescription Fraud?

For an act to be considered prescription fraud, the accused must have:

Intentionally and Knowingly Deceiving a Health Professional

For the charge of prescription fraud to stick, it must be shown that the accused had a clear intention to deceive. This means it wasn’t a mere oversight, misunderstanding, or an honest mistake.

Evidence such as prior instances of similar deceptive behavior, witnesses who may have heard the accused planning or discussing the fraud, or surveillance showing the accused engaging in deceptive behavior can be instrumental. Contradictory statements given by the accused at different times might also indicate intent.

Use of Fraudulent Means

Simply put, this means that the accused used illegal methods to obtain the drugs. These methods can range from forging a doctor’s signature, altering the drug quantity on a legitimate prescription, impersonating a medical professional, or even using stolen prescription pads.

Physical evidence plays a significant role here. For instance, if there’s a mismatch between the handwriting on the prescription and the doctor’s known handwriting, it suggests forgery.

Electronic trails, like unauthorized access to digital prescription systems or using software to generate fake prescriptions, can also provide strong evidence. Witnesses can also testify, such as a pharmacist who may have noticed suspicious behavior.

Acting Without a Valid Prescription or Medical Necessity

This element gets to the heart of the fraud. It indicates that the accused wasn’t just bending the rules but had no legitimate medical reason to obtain the drugs in question.

Medical records are the primary evidence here. If someone claims they need a particular drug but has no medical history to support that need, it’s a clear red flag. Similarly, if a person has a history of frequently switching doctors to obtain the same medication, it suggests they’re “doctor shopping” without a valid medical necessity.

Prosecutors will often combine multiple sources of evidence to build a robust case against someone accused of prescription fraud. Due to the complexity of such cases, it’s important for those accused to understand these elements and how they’re proven to mount a possible defense.

If I Changed the Amount on a Prescription That Was Still Valid, Would I Still Be Charged?

Yes, altering any part of a legitimate prescription, including the quantity, constitutes prescription fraud. Even if the prescription was originally valid, modifying it without proper authorization is illegal.

What Do the Authorities Need to Show to Convict Me of Prescription Fraud if I’m a Doctor?

If you’re a doctor accused of prescription fraud, authorities must demonstrate that you knowingly and willfully prescribed medication without a legitimate medical purpose or beyond the standard of care.

What Is the Penalty for a Conviction of Prescription Fraud?

The penalty for a conviction of prescription fraud in California depends on whether the crime is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. A misdemeanor conviction is punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or a maximum fine of $1,000. A felony conviction is punishable by up to three years in jail and/or a maximum fine of $20,000. Speak to a California lawyer if you are facing these charges.

Which Defenses Against Prescription Fraud Exist?

Defenses might include:

• Unwitting Possession Defense: Claiming you were unaware of the fraudulent nature of the prescription.
• Lack of Possession Defense: Arguing you did not have direct possession or control over the fraudulent prescription.

Should I Speak to an Attorney for Assistance With My Prescription Fraud Charge in California?

Absolutely. If you’re facing charges related to prescription fraud, consult with an experienced California lawyer. These allegations are serious, and a knowledgeable attorney can provide guidance, evaluate the strength of the case against you, and recommend the best course of action.

LegalMatch can connect you with a California drug lawyer who handles prescription fraud cases if you’re seeking a competent attorney.