Tyson D. Quy, M.D.; Decision and Order, 47412-47419 [2013-18712]

Agencies

• Drug Enforcement Administration
• Department of Justice

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 150 (Monday, August 5, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47412-47419]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-18712]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Drug Enforcement Administration

[Docket No. 11-69]


Tyson D. Quy, M.D.; Decision and Order

    On March 26, 2012, Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Gail A. Randall 
issued the attached Recommended Decision (hereinafter, cited as R.D.). 
Neither party filed exceptions to the Recommended Decision.
    Having reviewed the record in its entirety, I have decided to adopt 
the ALJ's rulings, findings of fact, and conclusions of law except as 
discussed below.\1\ While I reject two of the ALJ's conclusions of law, 
I nonetheless agree with her ultimate conclusions of law.\2\ I 
therefore adopt the ALJ's recommended sanction.
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    \1\ I do not adopt the ALJ's legal conclusion that Respondent's 
nolo contendere plea to the state law offense of driving while under 
the influence of drugs (DUI), see Okla. Stat. tit. 47, Sec.  11-902; 
constitutes a conviction of an offense under a ``law[] relating to 
the manufacture, distribution or dispensing of controlled 
substances.'' R.D. at 20. While DEA has long held that a plea of 
nolo contendere constitutes a conviction even where adjudication is 
withheld, see Kimberly Maloney, 76 FR 60922 (2011) (discussing 
cases); a DUI conviction, even when it involves the ingestion of a 
controlled substance, is too attenuated from the acts of 
manufacture, distribution or dispensing of controlled substances for 
the underlying offense to be deemed a ``law[] relating to the 
manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of controlled substances.'' 
21 U.S.C. 823(f)(3). Cf. Jeffery M. Freesemann, 76 FR 60873, 60887 
(2011) (holding that conviction for state law offense of 
transporting a controlled substance does not relate to the 
manufacture, distribution or dispensing of controlled substances); 
Alvin Darby, 75 FR 26993, 27000 n.32 (2010) (holding that conviction 
for offense of simple possession does not relate to the manufacture, 
distribution, or dispensing of controlled substances); Super Rite 
Drugs, 56 FR 46014, 46015 (1991) (accord). While there is agency 
precedent to the contrary, see Jeffery Martin Ford, 68 FR 10750, 
10753 (2003), interpreting this provision as encompassing offenses 
such as simple possession, DUI, and transportation effectively reads 
the ``relating to'' phrase out of the statute. However, as has been 
made clear in other cases, the Agency can consider a DUI offense, 
when the underlying facts establish that the registrant was under 
the influence of a controlled substance, under factor five. Cf. Tony 
Bui, 75 FR 49979, 49989 (2010) (``DEA has long held that a 
practitioner's self-abuse of a controlled substance is a relevant 
consideration under factor five and has done so even when there is 
no evidence that the registrant abused his prescription writing 
authority) (citing David E. Trawick, 53 FR 5326, 5327 (1988)).
    The ALJ also concluded that Respondent violated the CSA (and 
state law) when he purchased Xanax ``from an Internet pharmacy and 
presumably without a legitimate prescription.'' R.D. at 20 (citing 
21 U.S.C. 829(e)(1) & Okla. Stat. tit. 63, Sec.  2-309(B)(1)). As 
for federal law, section 829(e)(1) provides that ``[n]o controlled 
substance that is a prescription drug . . . may be delivered, 
distributed, or dispensed by means of the Internet without a valid 
prescription.'' 21 U.S.C. 829(e)(1) (emphasis added). However, no 
evidence was offered that Respondent committed any of the prohibited 
acts (such as a dispensing by writing a prescription for himself) 
which are enumerated in the statute. Nor is there any evidence that 
Respondent purchased the Xanax from a foreign pharmacy, and 
therefore, imported the drug in violation of federal law. See 21 
U.S.C. 957. I therefore do not adopt the ALJ's conclusion that he 
violated section 829(e)(1). Nonetheless, the evidence shows that 
while Respondent told two different stories as to how he obtained 
the Xanax, he never claimed that he obtained it pursuant to a valid 
prescription. Accordingly, his admitted possession of the drug 
violated federal law. See 21 U.S.C. 844(a) (``It shall be unlawful 
for any person knowingly or intentionally to possess a controlled 
substance unless such substance was obtained directly, or pursuant 
to a valid prescription or order, from a practitioner, while acting 
in the course of his professional practice . . .'').
    As for the ALJ's legal conclusion that Respondent violated 
Oklahoma Stat. tit. 63, Sec.  2-309(B)(l); this provision prohibits 
only dispensing without a prescription and not the purchasing of a 
controlled substance. See id. (``no controlled dangerous substance 
included in Schedule III or IV, which is a prescription drug . . . 
may be dispensed without a written or oral prescription''). Here 
again, I reject the ALJ's conclusion because there is no evidence 
that Respondent dispensed the Xanax to himself.
    \2\ Because there is no evidence that Respondent diverted 
controlled substances to others and this is a first offense, I 
conclude that consideration of the Agency's deterrence interests is 
not warranted. See Kimberly Maloney, 76 FR 60922, 60923 (2011).
    Finally, with respect to the ALJ's discussion of the amount of 
time that has elapsed since Respondent's unlawful conduct, see R.D. 
at 21, I have previously expressed my disagreement with the ALJ's 
apparent view that there is no minimum period of time for which an 
applicant or registrant must demonstrate his/her sobriety. See 
Stephen L. Reitman, 76 FR 60889, 60890 (2011) (rejecting ALJ's 
reasoning that ``nine months is not such a short recovery period 
that it should serve as grounds for revocation'') (other citation 
omitted). However, in Reitman, I noted that additional time had 
passed since the closing of the record and that no evidence had been 
presented (through a motion for reconsideration based on newly 
discovered evidence) that the respondent had relapsed. Id. Likewise 
here, more than two years have now passed since Respondent entered 
treatment and there is no evidence that he has relapsed. 
Accordingly, I conclude that Respondent has demonstrated his 
sobriety for a sufficient period to support continuing his 
registration, subject to the conditions set forth above.
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    Accordingly, Respondent's application to renew his registration 
will be granted, subject to the following conditions, which shall 
remain in effect for a period of three years.
    1. Respondent shall be restricted to prescribing controlled 
substances and shall not administer or dispense any controlled 
substances. Respondent shall not prescribe controlled substances to 
himself or any family member. Respondent is further prohibited from 
obtaining controlled substances from a manufacturer, distributor, or 
pharmacy, whether the controlled substances are obtained by ordering 
them from a manufacturer, distributor, or pharmacy, or provided to him 
by a manufacturer, distributor, or pharmacy as a sample.
    Respondent shall not, however, be prohibited from obtaining a 
prescription for a controlled substance from another practitioner for a 
legitimate medical condition and filling any such prescription at a 
pharmacy.
    2. Respondent shall comply with all terms and conditions of the 
Order Accepting Voluntary Submittal to Jurisdiction issued by the 
Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision. Any 
violation of the terms of the aforesaid order shall be grounds for the 
suspension or revocation of Respondent's DEA Certificate of 
Registration.
    3. Respondent shall notify the nearest DEA field office of any 
violation of the Order Accepting Voluntary Submittal to Jurisdiction 
within seventy-two (72) hours of committing any such violation and 
shall also agree to authorize the Oklahoma State Board of Medical 
Licensure and Supervision to report any violations on his part of the 
aforesaid order to the nearest DEA field office.
    4. Respondent shall consent to unannounced inspections of his 
registered location by DEA personnel and waives his right to require 
agency personnel to obtain an Administrative Inspection Warrant prior 
to conducting an inspection of his registered location.

Order

    Pursuant to the authority vested in me by 21 U.S.C. 823(f) and 
824(a), as well as 28 CFR 0.100(b), I order that the application of 
Tyson D. Quy, M.D., to

[[Page 47413]]

renew his DEA Certificate of Registration as a practitioner, be, and it 
hereby is, renewed, subject to the conditions set forth above. This 
Order is effective immediately.

    Dated: July 29, 2013.
Michele M. Leonhart,
Administrator.
Theresa Krause, Esq., for the Government
Robert A. Manchester III, Esq., for the Respondent

Recommended Rulings, Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Decision 
of the Administrative Law Judge

I. Procedural Background

    Administrative Law Judge Gail A. Randall. The Deputy Assistant 
Administrator, Drug Enforcement Administration (``DEA'' or 
``Government''), issued an Order to Show Cause (``Order'') dated June 
30, 2011, proposing to revoke the DEA Certificate of Registration, No. 
FQ1513818, of Tyson D. Quy, M.D., (``Respondent''), as a practitioner, 
pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 824(a)(4) (2006), and deny any pending 
applications for renewal or modification of such registration pursuant 
to 21 U.S.C. 823(f), because the continued registration of the 
Respondent would be inconsistent with the public interest, as that term 
is used in 21 U.S.C. 823(f). [Administrative Law Judge Exhibit (``ALJ 
Exh.'') 1 at 1].
    The Order stated that Respondent is currently registered with the 
DEA as a practitioner with authority to handle controlled substances in 
Schedules II-V, and that his registration is scheduled to expire on 
April 30, 2012. [Id.].
    The Order alleged that Respondent had been arrested on September 6, 
2010 on the charge of driving under the influence and subsequently pled 
no contest to the criminal charge on February 24, 2011. [Id.]. In 
relation to this charge, the Order asserted that Respondent had 
admitted he was impaired, that he had tested positive for illegal 
controlled substances, and finally that he possessed a loaded firearm. 
[Id.].
    Next, the Order asserted that Respondent had admitted to the 
Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision (``Oklahoma 
Medical Board'' or ``the Board''), that he had: (a) Stolen Ambien, 
TussiCaps w/Hydrocodone, and Butalbital from his father's locked 
medical supply cabinet and illegally consumed these controlled 
substances; (b) consumed his grandmother's Xanax tablets which had been 
left at his home; (c) ``doctor shopped'' to obtain Ambien prescriptions 
from three different physicians; and (d) illegally purchased sixty 2 
milligram dosage units of Xanax over the Internet. [Id.].
    Lastly, the Order alleged that Respondent intentionally and 
repeatedly failed to cooperate with investigators from the Board during 
the Board's investigation. [Id. at 2]. And further that on March 10, 
2011, the Board suspended Respondent's Oklahoma state medical license 
for thirty days and placed him on probation for a period of five years. 
[Id.].
    The Deputy Assistant Administrator then gave the Respondent the 
opportunity to show cause as to why his registration should not be 
revoked on the basis of those allegations. [Id.].
    On July 29, 2011, Respondent filed a request for a hearing in the 
above-captioned matter. [ALJ Exh. 2].
    After authorized delays, the hearing was conducted on January 10, 
2012, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. [ALJ Exh. 4]. At the hearing, counsel 
for the DEA called three witnesses to testify and introduced 
documentary evidence. [Transcript (``Tr.'') Volume I]. The Respondent 
also testified and introduced documentary evidence. [Id.].
    After the hearing, the Government submitted Proposed Findings of 
Fact, Conclusions of Law and Argument (``Govt. Brief''). The Respondent 
also submitted Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law 
(``Resp. Brief'').

II. Issue

    The issue in this proceeding is whether or not the record as a 
whole establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that the Drug 
Enforcement Administration should revoke the DEA Certificate of 
Registration Number FQ1513818, of Tyson Quy, M.D., as a practitioner, 
pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 824(a) (2006), and deny any pending applications 
for renewal or modification of such registration, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 
823(f), because his continued registration would be inconsistent with 
the public interest, as that term is defined in 21 U.S.C. 823(f). [ALJ 
Exh. 3; Tr. 5-6].

III. Findings of Fact

A. Stipulated Facts

    The parties have stipulated to the following facts:
    1. Respondent is registered with the DEA as a practitioner in 
Schedules II through V under DEA registration number FQ1513818 at 3700 
North Kickapoo Street, Suite 124, Shawnee, Oklahoma 74804. The 
Respondent's registration expires by its terms on April 30, 2012.
    2. Alprazolam is a Schedule IV controlled substance pursuant to 21 
CFR 1308.14(c)(1).
    3. Xanax is a brand of alprazolam, a Schedule IV controlled 
substance pursuant to 21 CFR 1308.14(c)(1).
    4. Ambien is a brand of zolpidem, a Schedule IV controlled 
substance pursuant to 21 CFR 1308.14(c)(51).
    5. Zolpidem is a Schedule IV controlled substance pursuant to 21 
CFR 1308.14(c)(51).
    6. TussiCaps w/Hydrocodone is a hydrocodone combination product 
which is a Schedule III controlled substance pursuant to 21 CFR 
1308.13(e)(1)(iv).
    7. Citalopram is an anti-depressant which is a non-controlled 
substance.
    8. Chlorpheniramine is an anti-histamine which is a non-controlled 
substance. [ALJ Exh. 3].

B. Respondent's Addiction History

    Respondent received an undergraduate degree from the University of 
Oklahoma and then attended medical school at Ross University School of 
Medicine. [Tr. 90]. He graduated from medical school in May of 2007. 
[Tr. 133]. Following medical school, Respondent began a three year 
residency program in family medicine, which he completed in July of 
2010. [Tr. 90-91; Govt. Exh. 6].
    Residency proved to be an extremely stressful time for Respondent. 
[Govt. Exh. 6]. He testified that during his residency training, he 
would routinely work long hours under difficult conditions, including 
shifts up to thirty hours at a time. [Tr. 145]. As a result, Respondent 
developed chronic insomnia, for which he sought treatment. [Govt. Exh. 
6]. To treat his sleep issues, Respondent's primary care physician 
prescribed him Ambien, a sleep aid medication and Schedule IV 
controlled substances. [Tr. 133; Govt. Exh. 6; FOF 4,5]. Dr. Quy 
credibly testified that he had never taken a controlled substance prior 
to receiving this prescription. [Tr. 145].
    Dr. John Koontz served as Respondent's primary care physician 
during this period. [Tr. 10-11]. He testified that he treated 
Respondent as a patient from approximately 2009 to July 22, 2010. [Tr. 
11-12]. While Dr. Koontz could not recall how many Ambien prescriptions 
he issued to Respondent, Respondent's prescription history report and 
copies of his prescriptions indicate that Dr. Koontz issued at least 
eight prescriptions for Ambien or its generic equivalent, zolpidem, 
from approximately August 18, 2009, to July 22, 2010. [Tr. 24; Govt. 
Exh. 4; Govt. Exh. 2]. Dr. Koontz also approved numerous refill 
requests on these prescriptions at the request of Dr. Quy. [Govt. Exh. 
2; Govt. Exh. 4].

[[Page 47414]]

    Respondent testified that during this period he developed an 
addiction to Ambien. [Tr. 145]. To feed his addiction, he primarily 
obtained Ambien from the prescriptions that Dr. Koontz issued him. [Tr. 
129-130]. Dr. Quy also testified that he obtained Ambien from 
prescriptions written to him by other doctors. [Id.; Govt. Exh. 2; 
Govt. Exh. 4]. While Ambien remained Dr. Quy's primary substance of 
abuse during this period, he also admitted to obtaining and abusing 
additional controlled substances. [Tr. 162]. These included alprazolam, 
which he purchased from the Internet, and butalbital and TussiCaps, 
both of which he stole from his father's locked prescription samples 
closet. [Tr. 130-31].

C. The July 22, 2010 Prescription From Dr. Koontz

    On July 22, 2010, Dr. Koontz issued Respondent a prescription for 
thirty 10 milligram units of Ambien. [Tr. 13; Govt. Exh. 3]. Shortly 
after this July 22, 2010 visit, Dr. Koontz obtained Respondent's 
prescription medical profile report and discovered that Respondent had 
been seeing other doctors and receiving controlled substances 
prescriptions from them. [Tr. 24-25]. Respondent did not inform Dr. 
Koontz that he was seeing other doctors or that he was receiving 
additional controlled substances prescriptions. [Tr. 16]. After this 
discovery, Dr. Koontz refused to see Respondent as a patient. [Tr. 12].
    Dr. Koontz was shown the July 22, 2010 prescription by a DEA 
investigator on August 5, 2011. [Tr. 15]. At the hearing, Dr. Koontz 
testified that the prescription contained a notation for four refills, 
which Dr. Koontz claimed he did not write. [Tr. 14]. The ``x4'' was not 
written on the prescription at the place where Dr. Koontz enters 
refills. [Tr. 15]. I credit Dr. Koontz's testimony that he did not 
write the refill notation on the prescription. Dr. Koontz, however, did 
not see Respondent personally on that July 22, 2010 office visit. [Tr. 
29]. Instead Dr. Koontz's physician assistant saw Dr. Quy and only had 
Dr. Koontz sign the prescription. [Id.]. Dr. Koontz also could not 
recall whether he handed the prescription directly to Dr. Quy after he 
signed it or whether he gave it to his office staff to hand to 
Respondent. [Tr. 35-36]. In fact, Dr. Koontz visibly struggled at the 
hearing to recall the events of the July 22, 2010 office visit.
    On the other hand, Dr. Quy testified that he did not forge the 
refill notation, and I find his testimony credible. [Tr. 95]. As a 
physician, if he would have forged the prescription, he would have 
placed the refill number at the appropriate place on the prescription 
for annotating refills. [Tr. 96, 128]. The ``x4'' was not located in 
the appropriate refill place on the prescription. I also find his 
account of the visit to Dr. Koontz's office credible. He readily 
recalled details of the visit, identified the physician's assistant he 
saw, and proffered a plausible explanation for the refill notation, 
namely that a member of Dr. Koontz's office staff may have approved 
these refills to spare a busy resident an additional office visit. [Tr. 
137-138; 95; 142-143]. Dr. Quy's testimony was also supported by 
documentary evidence which confirmed his ready access to refills from 
Dr. Koontz's office upon request, along with prescriptions that he 
obtained from other physicians. [Govt. Exh. 2; Govt. Exh. 4]. He had no 
need to forge refills on the prescription.
    In light of the Government's failure to proffer any additional 
evidence that Dr. Quy was responsible for the refill notation on the 
prescription, I find that the Government has failed to prove, by a 
preponderance of the evidence, that Dr. Quy forged the refill notation 
on the July 22, 2010 prescription.

D. Respondent's DUI Arrest

    On September 6, 2010, Respondent was scheduled to work a shift 
beginning at 6:00 a.m. at Purcell Hospital. [Govt. Exh. 5]. When 
Respondent went to work that morning, other hospital employees observed 
that he appeared to be in an impaired state. [Id.]. These employees 
reported Respondent to his supervisor, Dr. Berry Winn. [Id.]. Dr. Winn 
instructed Respondent not to see patients and to sleep in a room at the 
hospital. [Id.]. Respondent slept until approximately 12:45 p.m. when 
he attempted to drive himself home from the hospital. [Id.].
    While driving home, Respondent was stopped by a Purcell police 
officer on suspicion of driving under the influence. [Id.]. Respondent 
performed poorly on the field sobriety test and agreed to submit to a 
drug test at Purcell Hospital. [Id.]. During the search of Respondent's 
car, the officer found Dr. Quy's loaded nine millimeter pistol, along 
with additional rounds of ammunition and a hunting knife. [Id.]. Dr. 
Quy possesses an active concealed carry license from the state of 
Oklahoma. [Resp. Exh. 7].
    The officer then arrested Respondent for driving under the 
influence of drugs and for possession of a loaded weapon while under 
the influence of narcotics. [Govt. Exh. 5]. Dr. Quy's sample tested 
positive for Ambien, alprazolam, butalbital, chlorpheniramine, and 
citalopram. [Id.]. The next day, September 7, 2010, Respondent was 
charged with one count of driving under the influence of drugs. [Id.]. 
He was arraigned in the District Court of McClain County, Oklahoma. 
[Id.].
    On February 24, 2011, Respondent entered a plea of nolo contendere 
to the charge. [Govt. Exh. 7; Tr. 55]. The Court sentenced Dr. Quy to 
six months imprisonment, all of which were deferred, pending his 
satisfactory completion of the probationary conditions. [Govt. Exh. 7]. 
Respondent successfully completed his probation by attending a DUI 
school, paying a fine and court costs, obtaining a substance abuse 
evaluation, and attending a victims impact panel. [Id.]. After Dr. Quy 
satisfied these probationary conditions, the case was dismissed on 
August 23, 2011. [Govt. Exh. 7; Tr. 115-116].

E. Oklahoma Medical Board Investigation

    On September 7, 2010, Steve Washbourne, the Director of 
Investigations for the Oklahoma Medical Board, received a phone call 
from Dr. Winn about Respondent. [Tr. 38-39]. Dr. Winn informed Mr. 
Washbourne that Dr. Quy had reported to work at Purcell Hospital in an 
impaired state and had been subsequently instructed not to see 
patients. [Tr. 39]. Dr. Winn provided Mr. Washbourne with Respondent's 
telephone number. [Id.].
    That same day, Mr. Washbourne contacted Respondent via telephone. 
[Tr. 40]. During their conversation Respondent admitted to taking 
Ambien prior to reporting for his shift at the hospital and that he had 
been instructed not to see patients that day. [Id.]. Respondent further 
admitted that he had been stopped while driving home from the hospital 
and had been arrested by a Purcell police officer. [Tr. 40-41]. Mr. 
Washbourne directed Respondent to contact Dr. Lanny Anderson, the head 
of the Oklahoma Health Professionals Program (``HPP''), and obtain a 
substance abuse evaluation. [Tr. 41-42].
    On September 8, 2010, Mr. Washbourne conducted an interview with 
Respondent at the Board's office. [Tr. 43]. I find Mr. Washbourne's 
testimony consistent with the documentary exhibits and credible. Mr. 
Washbourne testified that Respondent's demeanor at the meeting was ``a 
little subdued.'' [Tr. 45]. During this interview, Mr. Washbourne 
questioned Respondent on the events of September 6, 2010. Dr. Quy told 
Mr. Washbourne that he had taken three Ambien pills prior to his shift, 
two on the evening of

[[Page 47415]]

September 5, 2010, and one at 2:30 a.m. on the morning of September 6, 
2010. [Tr. 43]. Respondent also admitted to taking TussiCaps, 
butalbital, and Xanax prior to the start of his shift. [Tr. 43-44]. In 
response to Mr. Washbourne's questioning, Dr. Quy told him, 
untruthfully, that he had obtained the TussiCaps from samples stored at 
the offices where he worked and the Xanax from his grandmother. [Tr. 
43-44, 60-61, 94]. Dr. Quy also told Mr. Washbourne that he received 
other controlled substances pursuant to prescriptions written by other 
physicians. [Tr. 44-45]. Mr. Washbourne then directed Dr. Quy to obtain 
an assessment from the HPP. [Tr. 45].

F. Respondent's Inpatient Treatment at Pine Grove

    On September 27, 2010, Dr. Quy went for a three-day evaluation at 
Pine Grove, which is a comprehensive addiction treatment center located 
in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. [Resp. Exh. 2]. Following his preliminary 
evaluation, Respondent entered Pine Grove on October 5, 2010 for an 
intensive ninety-day addiction treatment program. [Id.]. At Pine Grove, 
Dr. Quy fully participated in a variety of treatment activities, 
including educational lectures, group and individual therapy, weekly 
12-step meetings, specialized programs for impaired professionals, and 
written assignments. [Id.]. And throughout the ninety-day treatment 
program, Dr. Quy was subject to random urinalysis screening, all of 
which he passed. [Id.].
    Respondent's treating physician and clinical therapist prepared a 
report that detailed his treatment at Pine Grove. [Id.]. Although Dr. 
Quy apparently initially struggled with denial and confusion about his 
addiction, they acknowledged he ``made steady progress'' during his 
stay and ultimately ``became forthcoming about his use of chemicals.'' 
[Id.]. They highlighted his positive attitude to and compliance with 
his treatment plan. [Id.]. Lastly, they noted that Dr. Quy's wife was 
supportive of his treatment and recovery efforts and that she 
maintained frequent contact with the Pine Grove staff during his stay. 
[Id.; see also Resp. Exh. 8 for evidence of Mrs. Quy's current 
support].
    On December 31, 2010, Pine Grove discharged Respondent after he 
successfully completed the treatment program. [Id., Resp. Exh. 3]. His 
discharge diagnosis was sedative/hypnotic dependence. [Resp. Exh. 2]. 
Pine Grove recommended that Dr. Quy be allowed to return to work as a 
physician beginning on January 3, 2011, and that he follow the 
restrictions set forth in his monitoring contract with the Oklahoma 
Medical Board. [Id.].
    Dr. Quy credibly testified that he benefitted from his treatment at 
Pine Grove. [Tr. 102]. Specifically he testified that his treatment at 
Pine Grove allowed him to recognize and acknowledge his addiction. [Tr. 
102]. He further testified that the Pine Grove program taught and 
reinforced techniques and behaviors to help him manage his addiction. 
[Id.]. Respondent noted that since his treatment at Pine Grove, he has 
used these tools on a daily basis to address his addiction and continue 
his recovery. [Tr. 102-03].

G. Respondent's Post-Treatment Interview With the Medical Board

    Mr. Washbourne conducted a post-treatment interview with Respondent 
on January 25, 2011. [Tr. 46]. During this interview, Respondent 
initially maintained that he obtained the TussiCaps and butalbital from 
his employer and the Xanax from a family member. [Tr. 46-47]. When 
pressed by Mr. Washbourne, Dr. Quy admitted that he had actually stolen 
the TussiCaps and butalbital from his father's drug cabinet. [Tr. 47, 
49]. And when asked about the Xanax, Respondent gave Mr. Washbourne a 
blister pack of the medication, which he claimed was left at his house 
by his grandmother who had visited from Laos. [Tr. 47-48; Govt. Exh. 
8]. Mr. Washbourne discovered the manufacture date on the blister pack 
did not match the information provided by Respondent and asked him 
about the discrepancy. [Tr. 48]. At that point, Respondent admitted 
that he had obtained the Xanax by purchasing the blister packs over the 
internet. [Tr. 48-49]. At the conclusion of the interview, Mr. 
Washbourne instructed Respondent that the Medical Board would 
subsequently issue a complaint and citation against him. [Tr. 51].

H. Medical Board Action Against Respondent

    On January 28, 2011, the Board issued a Complaint and Citation 
against Respondent. [Govt. Exh. 5]. On March 10, 2011, Respondent 
voluntarily submitted to the Board's jurisdiction and entered into an 
Order Accepting Voluntary Submittal to Jurisdiction with the Board. 
[Id.]. This Order found that Dr. Quy had committed several violations 
of the Oklahoma Allopathic Medical and Surgical Licensure and 
Supervision Act. [Id.]. As a result of these violations, the Board 
suspended Dr. Quy's medical license for thirty days, until April 9, 
2011, and placed him on probation for five years. [Id.]. The Board 
ordered, among other probationary conditions, that Dr. Quy sign a 
contract with the HPP and abide by all terms of that contract. [Id.].
    Dr. Quy's Oklahoma medical license is currently active and subject 
to a five year probationary period scheduled to end on April 9, 2016. 
Currently Respondent's probationary conditions include: (a) Not 
supervising allied health professionals that require the surveillance 
of a licensed physician; (b) submitting biological fluid specimens for 
analysis upon request of the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure 
and Supervision; (c) not prescribing, administering or dispensing any 
medications for personal use or for use by a family member; (d) not 
using any medication except as authorized by his treating physician for 
a legitimate medical need and informing any treating physician of the 
Board's Order; (e) not ingesting any substances, including alcohol, 
which would cause a body fluid sample to test positive for prohibited 
substances; (f) releasing any and all medical and psychiatric records 
to the State Board including his treatment records at Pine Grove; (g) 
abiding by the recommendations of Pine Grove and comply with his 
postcare contract with Pine Grove; (h) signing a contract with the 
Health Professionals Recovery Program and abiding by its terms; (i) 
obtaining individual therapy from a Board approved therapist and 
providing quarterly reports from his therapist to the Board; (j) 
obtaining individual treatment from a Board approved psychiatrist and 
providing quarterly reports from his psychiatrist to the Board; (k) 
attending four 12-Step meetings per week, including one Health 
Professionals Recovery Program meeting; (l) promptly notifying the 
Board of any relapse or arrest or citation for traffic or criminal 
offenses involving substance abuse; and (m) keeping the Board informed 
of his current address. [Govt. Exh. 5].

I. Respondent's Current Situation

    Respondent credibly testified that he has been clean and sober 
since October 5, 2010. [Tr. 162]. He is currently employed as a family 
medicine physician with Midwest Physicians in Shawnee, Oklahoma. [Tr. 
90]. Dr. Quy possesses an active DEA registration, Number FQ1513818, 
which was issued on July 13, 2009 and is not scheduled to expire until 
April 30, 2012. [Govt. Exh. 1; FOF 1]. Without a DEA registration, 
Respondent testified that he would not be able to have a meaningful 
medical practice. [Tr. 119-120]. Respondent's current employer, like 
most hospitals, requires physicians to

[[Page 47416]]

maintain full DEA registration privileges. [Tr. 123].
    Dr. Quy's state controlled substances registration is likewise 
active and subject to a probationary period supervised by the Oklahoma 
Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control (``OBNDD''). [Tr. 92-
93]. Currently OBNDD's probationary conditions include: (a) Dr. Quy 
must follow the stipulations outlined in the Medical Board's order; (b) 
he must not physically handle any controlled substances; and (c) that 
Dr. Quy may only write prescriptions in an office with a supervising 
physician. [Id. at 93]. If Dr. Quy violates his probation, he faces a 
minumum fine of five thousand dollars and the loss of his state 
controlled substances registration. [Id.].
    Respondent is currently in full compliance with the conditions of 
the Board's order and his probation with the Medical Board. [Tr. 54]. 
In addition, he is in full compliance with the probationary conditions 
of OBNDD. [Tr. 82, 92-93]. All of his alcohol and drug screens have 
tested negative. [Resp. Exh. 1; Resp. Exh. 9; Tr. 54]. Respondent began 
these drug testing screens on January 5, 2011, three months prior to 
receiving probation from the Board. [Tr. 66]. Mr. Washbourne testified 
that the Board and HPP are closely monitoring Dr. Quy's recovery and 
his continued compliance with the probationary conditions. [Tr. 62-63]. 
Similarly, Dr. Anderson, the head of the HPP, reported that ``all steps 
are in place to allow [Dr. Quy] to practice safely and maintain a good 
recovery plan.'' [Resp. Exh. 4].

IV. Statement of Law and Discussion

A. Position of the Parties

1. Government's Position
    The Government asserts that the appropriate remedy in this matter 
is revocation of the Respondent's registration. [Govt. Brief at 22]. 
Specifically in addressing the Section 823(f) public interest factors, 
the Government argues that all five factors support the revocation of 
Respondent's registration. [Govt. Brief at 15]. Under the first factor, 
the Government asserts that the imposition of probationary conditions 
on Respondent's state licenses, namely his medical license and OBNDD 
registration, ``weighs against a finding that Dr. Quy's registration is 
consistent with the public interest.'' [Govt. Brief at 16]. Next the 
Government cites Respondent's history of violating federal and state 
law by illegally obtaining and using controlled substances as relevant 
conduct under factors two and four which supports the revocation of his 
registration. [Govt. Brief at 17-18]. The Government also notes that 
the Controlled Substances Act has a ``carefully crafted scheme for 
regulating the distribution of controlled substances and preventing the 
diversion of controlled substances into illegitimate uses and drug 
abuse.'' The Government argues that the Respondent's conduct violated 
this closed regulatory system. [Govt. Brief at 17].
    For factor three, the Government argues that Respondent's DUI 
arrest and subsequent no contest plea constitutes a relevant conviction 
under Agency precedent and further supports the requested revocation of 
his registration. [Govt. Brief at 18-19].
    Lastly under factor five, the Government makes several arguments. 
First the Government cites Dr. Quy's history of abusing controlled 
substances as relevant conduct that threatens the public health and 
safety. [Govt. Brief at 19]. Further, the Government asserts that the 
Respondent ``permitted the drug diversion of controlled substances by 
illegally purchasing, stealing, and using controlled substances.'' 
[Govt. Brief at 20]. The Government also argues that Dr. Quy has not 
accepted responsibility or shown any remorse for his previous unlawful 
conduct. [Govt. Brief at 21-22]. In conclusion, the Government claims 
that Dr. Quy's continued registration with the DEA would be 
inconsistent with the public interest and that his registration should 
be revoked. [Govt. Brief at 22-23].
2. Respondent's Position
    Respondent asserts that the Government has failed to establish that 
Dr. Quy's continued registration would be inconsistent with the public 
interest. [Resp. Brief at 8]. While acknowledging Dr. Quy's prior 
substance abuse problem, Respondent argues that he has taken ``positive 
steps to address and correct this problem.'' [Id.]. These 
rehabilitative steps include completing ninety days of inpatient 
substance abuse treatment, and agreeing to an aftercare contract that 
requires, among other conditions, periodic alcohol and drug screens and 
weekly participation in support group meetings. [Resp. Brief at 5, 8]. 
Respondent claims that the DEA has ignored Dr. Quy's substantial 
efforts at rehabilitation and his demonstrated commitment to fully 
complying with DEA regulations. [Resp. Brief at 8].
    Respondent also argues that the public interest will be safeguarded 
because Dr. Quy is subject to intensive monitoring and oversight 
mandated by the Oklahoma licensing authorities. [Resp. Brief at 8]. 
These authorities, the Oklahoma Medical Board and OBNDD, have continued 
to permit Dr. Quy to prescribe controlled substances. [Resp. Brief at 
7]. And the DEA itself, Respondent notes, is fully aware that Dr. Quy 
remains in active compliance with his probationary conditions. [Resp. 
Brief at 4]. Respondent concludes by arguing that the DEA has failed to 
meet its burden to show that Dr. Quy's continued registration is 
inconsistent with the public interest. [Resp. Brief at 8-9].

B. Statement of Law and Analysis

    Pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 824(a)(4) (2006),\1\ the Administrator may 
revoke a DEA Certificate of Registration if she determines that such 
registration would be inconsistent with the public interest as 
determined pursuant to 21 U.S.C 823(f). In determining the public 
interest, the following factors are considered:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The Administrator has the authority to make such a 
determination pursuant to 28 CFR 0.100(b) (2011).

    (1) The recommendation of the appropriate State licensing board 
or professional disciplinary authority.
    (2) The applicant's experience in dispensing, or conducting 
research with respect to controlled substances.
    (3) The applicant's conviction record under Federal or State 
laws relating to the manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of 
controlled substances.
    (4) Compliance with applicable State, Federal, or local laws 
relating to controlled substances.
    (5) Such other conduct which may threaten the public health and 
safety.

21 U.S.C. 823(f) (2006).
    These factors are to be considered in the disjunctive; the 
Administrator may rely on any one or a combination of factors and may 
give each factor the weight she deems appropriate in determining 
whether a registration should be revoked. See Robert A. Leslie, M.D., 
68 FR 15,227, 15,230 (DEA 2003). Moreover, the Administrator is ``not 
required to make findings as to all of the factors.'' Hoxie v. DEA, 419 
F.3d 477, 482 (6th Cir. 2005); see also Morall v. DEA, 412 F.3d 165, 
173-74 (D.C. Cir. 2005).
    The Government bears the burden of proving that the requirements 
for revocation are satisfied. 21 CFR 1301.44(e) (2011). Once the 
Government has met its burden of proof, the burden of proof shifts to 
the Respondent to show why his continued registration would be 
consistent with the public's interest. See Medicine Shoppe--
Jonesborough, 73 FR 364, 380 (DEA 2008). To this point, the Agency has 
repeatedly held that the ``registrant must accept responsibility for 
[his] actions

[[Page 47417]]

and demonstrate that [he] will not engage in future misconduct.'' 
Medicine Shoppe--Jonesborough, 73 FR at 387; see also Samuel S. 
Jackson, D.D.S., 72 FR 23,848, 23,853 (DEA 2007). In short, after the 
Government makes its prima facie case, the Respondent must prove by a 
preponderance of the evidence that he can be entrusted with the 
authority that a registration provides by demonstrating that he accepts 
responsibility for his misconduct and that the misconduct will not re-
occur.
1. Factor One: Recommendation of Appropriate State Licensing Board
    Although the recommendation of the applicable state medical board 
is probative to this factor, the Agency possesses ``a separate 
oversight responsibility with respect to the handling of controlled 
substances'' and therefore must make an ``independent determination as 
to whether the granting of [a registration] would be in the public 
interest.'' Mortimer B. Levin, D.O., 55 FR 8,209, 8,210 (DEA 1990); see 
also Jayam Krishna-Iyer, M.D., 74 FR 459, 461 (DEA 2009). The ultimate 
responsibility to determine whether a registration is consistent with 
the public interest has been delegated exclusively to the DEA, not to 
entities within state government. Edmund Chein, M.D., 72 FR 6,580, 
6,590 (DEA 2007), aff'd, Chein v. DEA, 533 F.3d 828 (D.C. Cir. 2008). 
So while not dispositive, state board recommendations are relevant on 
the issue of revoking or maintaining a DEA registration. See Gregory D. 
Owens, D.D.S., 74 FR 36,751, 36,755 (DEA 2009); Martha Hernandez, M.D., 
62 FR 61,145, 61,147 (DEA 1997).
    In this case, the Oklahoma Medical Board suspended Dr. Quy's 
medical license for a period of thirty days, from March 10, 2011, to 
April 9, 2011, and placed him on probation for five years. [Govt. Exh. 
5]. At the conclusion of the thirty-day suspension, the Board 
reinstated Dr. Quy's medical license. Therefore he currently possesses 
an active Oklahoma medical license, subject to the five year 
probationary period scheduled to end on April 9, 2016.
    The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control 
(``OBNDD''), which issues state controlled substances registrations, 
also placed Respondent on probation. [Tr. 92-94]. Likewise, Respondent 
currently possesses an active, in all substances, controlled substances 
registration in Oklahoma subject to the supervision of the OBNDD. [Id.]
    Therefore, I find that both the Oklahoma State Medical Board and 
the OBNDD have allowed Respondent to retain his medical license and 
state controlled substances registration subject to the Board's and 
OBNDD's monitoring. Although neither the Board nor OBNDD have made an 
official recommendation for this proceeding, I find these actions by 
the Board and OBNDD weigh in favor of continuing the Respondent's 
registration. See Vincent J. Scolaro, D.O. 67 FR 42,060, 42,064 (DEA 
2002) (noting that the Agency properly considers ``facts surrounding 
state licensure'' under this factor). While their recommendations weigh 
in favor of continuing the Respondent's registration, nevertheless, the 
Agency has consistently held that a practitioner's possession of State 
authority, while a prerequisite to maintenance of a registration, is 
not dispositive of the public interest determination. Mark De La Lama, 
P.A., 76 FR 20,011, 20,018 (DEA 2011).
2. Factors Two and Four: Applicant's Experience With Controlled 
Substances and Compliance With Applicable State, Federal, or Local Laws 
Relating to Controlled Substances
    Under the Controlled Substances Act, it is ``unlawful for any 
person knowingly or intentionally . . . to acquire or obtain possession 
of a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, 
deception, or subterfuge.'' 21 U.S.C. 843(a)(3) (2006); see also Okla. 
Stat. tit. 63, Sec.  2-406(3) (2012) (analagous state law requirement). 
Additionally, Oklahoma law not only proscribes such conduct by 
physicians, but also sets forth additional restrictions on the handling 
and usage of controlled substances by Oklahoma doctors. See Okla. Stat. 
tit. 59, Sec.  509 (2012) (defining ``unprofessional conduct'' under 
the Oklahoma Allopathic Medical and Surgical Licensure and Supervision 
Act'') ; Okla. Admin. Code Sec.  435:10-7-4 (2010) (enumerating 
additional conduct covered by the statutory term ``unprofessional 
conduct''). These restrictions include prohibitions on purchasing and 
administering controlled substances for the physician's personal use 
and using habit-forming drugs.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ Okla. Stat. tit. 59, Sec.  509(4) (2012) (defining 
unprofessional conduct to include``[h]abitual intemperance or the 
habitual use of habit-forming drugs''); Okla. Admin. Code Sec.  
435:10-7-4(5) and (26) (2010) (further defining unprofessional 
conduct to include ``[p]urchasing or prescribing any regulated 
substance in Schedule I through V, as defined by the Uniform 
Controlled Dangerous Substances Act, for the physician's personal 
use'' and ``prescribing, selling, administering, distributing, 
ordering, or giving any drug legally classified as a controlled 
substance or recognized as an addictive dangerous drug to a family 
member or to himself or herself'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    It is undisputed that Respondent violated both the CSA and Oklahoma 
law by obtaining controlled substances for his own use. Likewise by 
engaging in ``doctor shopping'' to obtain additional prescriptions for 
Ambien, Dr. Quy violated federal and state law. 21 U.S.C. 843(a)(3) 
(2006); Okla. Stat. tit. 63, Sec.  2-406(3) (2012). Additionally by 
stealing and unlawfully consuming TussiCaps, a schedule III controlled 
substance, and butalbital from his father's drug cabinet, Dr. Quy 
committed another serious violation of the CSA and Oklahoma law. 21 
U.S.C. 829(b) (2006) (``[N]o controlled substance in schedule III or IV 
. . . may be dispensed without a written or oral prescription''); Okla. 
Stat. tit. 63, Sec.  2-309(B)(1) (2012) (analgous state law 
requirement). Finally, his purchase of Xanax, a schedule IV controlled 
substance, from an Internet pharmacy and presumably without a 
legitimate prescription also violated both federal and state law. 21 
U.S.C. 829(e)(1) (2006) (``No controlled substance that is a 
prescription drug . . . may be delivered, distributed, or dispensed by 
means of the Internet without a valid prescription''); Okla. Stat. tit. 
63, Sec.  2-309(B)(1) (2012). Such serious violations of federal and 
state law, coupled with Dr. Quy's unlawful consumption of controlled 
substances, weigh in favor of revoking the Respondent's DEA 
registration. Accordingly, under factors two and four, I find that the 
Government has met its burden and that grounds do exist for revoking 
the Respondent's DEA certificate of registration.
3. Factor Three: Applicant's Conviction Record Relating to Controlled 
Substances
    Respondent was charged with one misdemeanor count of driving under 
the influence of drugs in violation of Okla. Stat. tit. 47, Sec.  11-
902 (2012). [Govt. Exh. 7]. Dr. Quy pled no contest to the charge and 
after succesfully complying with the Court's order, the charge was 
dismissed. [Id.]. After his arrest on this charge, Dr. Quy tested 
postitive for Ambien, alprazolam, butalbital, chlorpheniramine, and 
citalopram. [Govt. Exh. 5].
    The Agency has held that a nolo contendere plea is sufficient to 
find that the Respondent's conviction record relating to controlled 
substances weighs against his continued registration. Clinton D. Nutt, 
D.O., 55 FR 30,992 (DEA 1990). Also, because the evidence in the record 
indicates that Respondent had abused controlled substances in the hours 
prior to this arrest, I find that this incident is relevant to factor 
three. But see Mark De La Lama, P.A, 76 FR

[[Page 47418]]

20,011, 20,015 n.11 (DEA 2011) (finding that a DUI arrest was not 
relevant because there was no evidence that the respondent was under 
the influence of a controlled substance at the time of the incident). 
Accordingly, I find that consideration of this factor weighs in favor 
of revoking the Respondent's DEA certificate of registration.
4. Factor Five: Other Factors Affecting the Public Interest
    The Agency has long held that a practitioner's self-abuse of 
controlled substances constitutes ``conduct which may threaten public 
health and safety.'' 21 U.S.C. 823(f)(5) (2006); see also Tony T. Bui, 
M.D., 75 FR 49,979, 49,990 (DEA 2010); Kenneth Wayne Green, Jr., M.D., 
59 FR 51,453 (DEA 1994); David E. Trawick, D.D.S., 53 FR 5,326 (DEA 
1988). Here, the Respondent self-abused Ambien, alprazolam, butalbital, 
and TussiCaps. Such unlawful ingestion of controlled substances, 
especially when a physician is caring for patients while under the 
influence of these drugs, places the public health and safety in 
jeopardy. Another significant factor in this case is the fact that the 
Respondent unlawfully consumed controlled substances prior to reporting 
for duty at Purcell Hospital. Although this record contains no evidence 
of any harm coming to his patients, thanks to the actions of the staff 
at Purcell Hospital, the fact that he was willing to risk such harm is 
inconsistent with the requirements of a DEA registrant.
    But the critical consideration in this proceeding is whether the 
circumstances that existed during Respondent's addiction to controlled 
substances have changed sufficiently to support a conclusion that 
maintaining Respondent's registration would be in the public interest. 
See Ellis Turk, M.D., 62 FR 19,603, 19,604 (DEA 1997). As this Agency 
has repeatedly held, a proceeding under the Controlled Substances Act 
`` `is a remedial measure, based upon the public interest and the 
necessity to protect the public from those individuals who have misused 
. . . their DEA Certificate of Registration, and who have not presented 
sufficient mitigating evidence to assure the Administrator that they 
can be entrusted with the responsibility carried by such a 
registration.' '' Jon Karl Dively, D.D.S., 72 FR 74,332, 74,334 (DEA 
2007) (quoting Samuel S. Jackson, D.D.S., 72 FR 23,848, 23,853 (DEA 
2007)).
    In this case, I found the Respondent credible when he testified 
that he has been drug free since October 5, 2010. He has remained 
active in his recovery, complied with all terms of his probation, and 
his drug screens have all tested negative. As the Deputy Administrator 
has previously determined, ``[t]he paramount issue is not how much time 
has elapsed since [the Respondent's] unlawful conduct, but rather, 
whether during that time [the] Respondent has learned from past 
mistakes and has demonstrated that he would handle controlled 
substances properly if entrusted with a DEA registration.'' Leonardo V. 
Lopez, M.D., 54 FR 36,915 (DEA 1989). Even though it has been 
previously found that time, alone, is not dispositive in such 
situations, it is certainly an appropriate factor to be considered. See 
Robert G. Hallermeier, M.D., 62 FR 26,818 (DEA 1997) (four years); John 
Porter Richards, D.O., 61 FR 13,878 (DEA 1996) (ten years); Norman 
Alpert, M.D., 58 FR 67,420, 67,421 (DEA 1993) (seven years).
    Here, the conditions of Respondent's probation with the Oklahoma 
Medical Board require him to remain compliant with the contract he 
signed with the Oklahoma Health Professionals Program. [Govt. Exh. 5; 
Resp. Exh. 4]. Additionally during Dr. Quy's five year probationary 
period, he is subject to supervised random drug screens from both the 
HPP and the Board, and in the event of a relapse, Respondent must 
promptly notify the Board. [Id.]. As part of his probation conditions, 
Respondent must attend support group meetings four times a week, 
receive counseling, abstain from consuming nonprescribed medication, 
and see a psychiatrist. [Govt. Exh. 5]. Dr. Quy has successfully 
complied with all of these conditions, including frequently attending 
support group meetings. [Resp. Exh. 4; Resp. Exh. 5]. The Medical 
Director of HPP, Dr. Anderson, has affirmed that the Respondent has 
been compliant with these requirements, and that all of his drug 
screens have been negative. [Resp. Exh. 9]. This past conduct 
demonstrates the Respondent's ability to comply with both his probation 
and his HPP contract and to continue to perform his daily functions 
drug-free.
    After the Government ``has proved that a registrant has committed 
acts inconsistent with the public interest, a registrant must `present 
sufficient mitigating evidence to assure the Administrator that [he] 
can be entrusted with the responsibility carried by such a 
registration.' '' Medicine Shoppe--Jonesborough, 73 FR 364, 387 (DEA 
2008) (quoting Samuel S. Jackson, D.D.S., 72 FR 23,848, 23,853 (DEA 
2007). ``Moreover, because `past performance is the best predictor of 
future performance,' Alra Labs., Inc. v. DEA, 54 F.3d 450, 452 (7th 
Cir. 1995), [DEA] has repeatedly held that where a registrant has 
committed acts inconsistent with the public interest, the registrant 
must accept responsibility for [his] actions and demonstrate that [he] 
will not engage in future misconduct.'' Medicine Shoppe--Jonesborough, 
73 FR at 387; see also Samuel S. Jackson, D.D.S., 72 FR 23, 848, 23,853 
(DEA 2007); John H. Kennedy, M.D., 71 FR 35,705, 35,709 (DEA 2006); 
Prince George Daniels, D.D.S., 60 FR 62,884, 62,887 (DEA 1995). See 
also Hoxie v. DEA, 419 F.3d 477, 483 (6th Cir. 2005) (``admitting 
fault'' is ``properly consider[ed]'' by DEA to be an ``important 
factor[]'' in the public interest determination).
    Here, I find that the Respondent has taken responsibility for his 
misconduct. The stark contrast between Respondent's pre-treatment 
letter to the Medical Board, in which he denied having an addiction and 
his post-treatment statements and testimony is revealing. [Govt. Exh. 
6; Tr. 135]. As is common for addicts, it was only after Dr. Quy 
underwent the intensive inpatient treatment program at Pine Grove that 
he was able to recognize and began to address his addiction. [Resp. 
Exh. 2]. Likewise, at the hearing, he testified credibly and candidly 
about his addiction and its impact on his family and medical practice. 
[Tr. 104-105, 111, 145, 148-149, 162]. He demonstrated remorse for his 
behavior and readily acknowledged the severity of his misconduct. [Tr. 
130-131; 136-137; 145-147].
    As for the troubling false statements that Dr. Quy made to Mr. 
Washbourne at the January 25, 2011 interview, I note several mitigating 
factors. First, Dr. Quy quickly recanted his previous statements when 
questioned by Mr. Washbourne. [Tr. 61]. Next, Respondent's false 
statements concerned only the source of the controlled substances he 
abused, he did not attempt to conceal the fact that he abused these 
controlled substances. Finally, while those false statements were made 
at the beginning of Dr. Quy's recovery process, I note that Dr. Quy 
testified truthfully about the January 25, 2011 interview at the 
hearing and acknowledged that, although he initially made false 
statements to Mr. Washbourne, he later ``came clean . . . and (has) 
been totally forthcoming since then.'' [Tr. 94].
    Finally, I find that sufficient requirements are in place to ensure 
the public interest is protected from the possibility of relapse by the 
Respondent. Dr. Quy is subject to stringent monitoring by both the 
Oklahoma Medical Board and by OBNDD until

[[Page 47419]]

2016. During his probationary period, any relapse will be detected 
because of the drug screens and the requirement for the Respondent to 
disclose any violations of his HPP contract to the Board. Second, the 
DEA can further restrict his registration to the prescribing of 
controlled substances only, and to prohibit his prescribing to himself 
or to any other family member. Lastly, the situation that led to his 
addiction no longer exists. The Respondent has completed his residency 
program and has been drug free since October 5, 2010. These factors are 
also appropriate to consider when determining the appropriate use of 
the Administrator's discretion in this matter. See Martha Hernandez, 
M.D., 62 FR 61,145 (DEA 1997) (holding that, in exercising his 
discretion in determining the appropriate remedy, the Administrator 
should consider all of the facts and circumstances of a particular 
case).

V. Conclusion and Recommendation

    Therefore, I conclude that the DEA has met its burden of proof and 
has established that grounds exist for revoking the Respondent's DEA 
registration. I do not condone nor minimize the seriousness of the 
Respondent's misconduct. However, based on this record, I recommend 
that the Respondent be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate that he 
can responsibly handle controlled substance prescriptions by the 
granting of a restricted registration. See Cecil E. Oakes, Jr., M.D., 
63 FR 11,907, 11,910 (DEA 1998) (``Such a resolution will provide 
Respondent with the opportunity to demonstrate that he can responsibly 
handle controlled substances, while at the same time protect the public 
health and safety, by providing a mechanism for rapid detection of any 
improper activity.'').
    Based on this record and the Respondent's actions since December of 
2010, I recommend to the Administrator \3\ that the Respondent be 
granted a conditional DEA registration. I suggest that the conditions 
include: that the registration restricts his handling of controlled 
substances to merely prescribing and not storing or dispensing such 
drugs and that he be prohibited from prescribing controlled substances 
to himself or any family member. Further, I recommend that the 
Respondent be ordered to continue with his agreement with the Oklahoma 
HPP and to notify the DEA should a relapse or any positive urinalysis 
result. I recommend these restrictions apply for three years from the 
date of the final order so directing this result. In this way, the 
Respondent may safely continue his return to the full practice of 
medicine, and the DEA can assure itself of the Respondent's compliance 
with DEA regulations and of the protection of the public interest.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ The Administrator has the authority to make such a 
determination pursuant to 28 CFR 0.100(b) (2011).

    Dated: March 26, 2012.
Gail A. Randall,
Administrative Law Judge.
[FR Doc. 2013-18712 Filed 8-2-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-09-P