Gabriel Sanchez, M.D.; Decision and Order, 59060-59064 [2013-23285]

Agencies

• Drug Enforcement Administration
• Department of Justice

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 186 (Wednesday, September 25, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59060-59064]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-23285]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Drug Enforcement Administration


Gabriel Sanchez, M.D.; Decision and Order

    On August 14, 2012, the Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of 
Diversion Control, Drug Enforcement Administration, issued an Order to 
Show Cause to Gabriel Sanchez, M.D. (hereinafter, Registrant), of 
Delray Beach, Florida. The Show Cause Order proposed the revocation of 
Registrant's DEA Certification of Registration AS9790420, and the 
denial of any pending applications for renewal or modification of the 
registration, on the ground that his ``continued registration is 
inconsistent with the public interest.'' GX 9, at 1 (citing 21 U.S.C. 
824(a)(4) and 823(f)).
    The Show Cause Order alleged that in July of 2010, the Registrant 
issued prescriptions for oxycodone, a schedule II controlled substance, 
and carisoprodol, a schedule IV controlled substance under Florida law, 
to two undercover law enforcement officers (UCs). Id. The Show Cause 
Order alleged that these prescriptions ``were not for a legitimate 
medical purpose in the usual course of professional practice because'' 
the Registrant: (1) Did not ``provide a legitimate diagnosis to 
warrant'' the prescriptions; (2) ``failed to conduct a sufficient 
physical exam to determine a legitimate medical need'' for the 
controlled substance prescriptions; (3) ``prescribed controlled 
substances to the UCs despite evidence that they had illegally 
obtained, and were attempting to illegally obtain and abuse controlled 
substances''; and (4) ``prescribed oxycodone in large quantities to the 
UCs absent any reliable evidence'' that they were opioid tolerant. Id. 
at 1-2.
    The Show Cause Order thus alleged that the oxycodone prescriptions 
issued by the Registrant ``to the UCs were for other than a legitimate 
medical purpose in the usual course of professional practice in 
violation of Federal law.'' Id. at 2 (citing 21 U.S.C. 829, 841(a) and 
21 CFR 1306.04(a), 1301.71). Additionally, the Show Cause Order alleged 
that ``[t]he prescriptions for oxycodone and carisoprodol that [the 
Registrant] issued to the UCs'' violated Florida law because the 
prescriptions ``were for other than a legitimate medical purpose in the 
usual course of professional practice.'' Id. (citing Fla. Stat. Ann. 
Sec.  456.072(1)(gg) and Fla. Admin. Code r. 64B8-9.013).
    The Show Cause Order also notified the Registrant of his right to 
either request a hearing on the allegations or to submit a written 
statement in lieu of a hearing, the procedures for electing either 
option, and the consequences of failing to do either. Id. On August 16, 
2012, the Government accomplished service by personally serving the 
Registrant with the Order to Show Cause at the DEA Miami Field 
Division. GX 6. Registrant neither submitted a request for a hearing 
nor a written statement in lieu of a hearing. Req. for Final Agency 
Action, at 1.
    On May 20, 2012, the Government submitted a Request for Final 
Agency Action along with the investigative record it compiled. Having 
reviewed the record, I find that more than thirty days have now passed 
since the date of service of the Show Cause Order and neither 
Registrant, nor any one purporting to represent him, has filed a 
request for hearing or submitted a written statement in lieu of a 
hearing. Accordingly, I find that Registrant has waived his right to a 
hearing or to submit a written statement in lieu of a hearing and issue 
this Decision and Final Order based on relevant evidence contained in 
the record submitted by the Government. 21 CFR 1301.43(d) & (e). I make 
the following findings.

Findings

    Registrant is a physician who is currently registered with DEA as a 
practitioner in schedules II-V at the registered address of 16244 South 
Military Trail, Suite 490, Delray Beach, Florida 33484. GX 8. 
Registrant's registration expires by its terms on February 28, 2015. 
Id.
    In July of 2010, Registrant was working as a physician at Pompano 
Beach Medical, located at 553 E. Sample Road, Pompano Beach, Florida 
33064. GX 7. According to the affidavit of a DEA Diversion 
Investigator, on July 15, 2010, two DEA Task Force Officers 
(hereinafter, TFO One and TFO Two) conducted undercover visits to this 
medical facility and were seen by the Registrant. Id. at 2.

TFO One's Visit

    On July 15, 2010, TFO One conducted an undercover visit at Pompano 
Beach Medical under the name of Larry Olsen. Id. During this visit, TFO 
One filled out a follow-up medical form,\1\ and paid $200 in cash. Id. 
On this form, TFO One indicated that without medication, his pain level 
was between zero and two. GX 4, at 3.
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    \1\ TFO One had visited the clinic twice before this visit, once 
in May, and once in June; at these visits, he was seen by another 
doctor. GX 7, at 2; GX 3, at 21-22. During the May visit, TFO One 
received prescriptions for 150 dosage units of oxycodone 30 mg, 
sixty dosage units of oxycodone 15 mg, and sixty dosage units of 
carisoprodol. GX 3, at 22. During the June visit, TFO One received 
prescriptions for 160 dosage units of oxycodone 30 mg, ninety dosage 
units of oxycodone 15 mg, and sixty dosage units of carisoprodol. 
Id. at 21.
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    Before being seen by Registrant, TFO One was seen by Leah 
Gustavson, a medical assistant. Id. at 1-2; GX 7, at 2. When questioned 
by Gustavson about his pain level being between zero and two, TFO One 
stated that ``the pain hasn't been near as bad as it . . . as it . . . 
uh . . . You know. It has been good.'' GX 4, at 3. TFO One informed 
Gustavson that his pain was good even without medication, as long as he 
``watch[ed] what [he is] doing.'' Id. He also indicated that his pain 
level had decreased even without the medication, leading Gustavson to 
indicate that the doctor would probably decrease his dosage. Id. at 4-
5.
    TFO One then informed Gustavson that he ``may miss [his] next visit 
because [he would be] visiting the Baltimore area,'' and was concerned 
about having enough medication to last him through the visit. Id. at 5. 
Gustavson informed TFO One that ``[w]e're not allowed to give you 
extra.'' Id. Gustavson then asked if TFO One was experiencing any side 
effects from his medication. Id. at 5-6. TFO One stated that he did not 
have any side effects, and noted that he does not ``really get sick of 
medication . . . to be honest with you.'' Id. at 6. However, TFO One 
indicated that he was

[[Page 59061]]

experiencing sleep problems. Id. Gustavson then asked TFO One to 
complete ``a series of range of motion tests, such as touching his toes 
and standing on the back of his heels.'' GX 7, at 2. During these 
tests, Gustavson asked whether TFO One felt any tenderness, to which 
TFO One stated that he did not. GX 4, at 7.
    Following these tests, Registrant entered the room, greeted TFO 
One, and inquired about his symptoms. Id. at 8-9. TFO One replied: 
``Oh! Lower back.'' Id. Registrant then asked TFO One to lay down, face 
up, on the examination table, and proceeded to perform a series of 
range of motion tests. Id. at 9; GX 7, at 2. When asked if he 
experienced any pain during these tests, TFO One answered, ``[n]ot 
much.'' GX 4, at 9-10; GX 7, at 2.
    After discussing TFO One's previous visits to the clinic where he 
was seen by another doctor, Registrant noted that he had ``bulging of 
the disc'' but that there was no ``compression of the nerves of the 
spinal cord. . . .'' GX 4, at 10-11. Despite this finding, Registrant 
informed TFO One that he would be getting the same medication. Id. at 
11. Registrant also suggested that TFO One could ``go swimming,'' and 
``may not need medications'' because his ``MRI [didn't] show any 
compression of the nerves.'' Id. Nonetheless, Registrant then noted 
that TFO One was also taking Soma (carisoprodol), and said that he 
would get the same medication. Id.
    TFO One then asked Registrant if he ``[w]ould . . . increase the 
medicine if the person is going out of town for any period of time.'' 
Id. at 12. After initially saying no, Registrant asked TFO One how long 
he would be out of town. Id. TFO One replied, ``[p]robably three (3) 
weeks or so.'' Id. Registrant asked TFO One if he would come back in 
eight weeks; TFO One confirmed that he would. Id. Registrant then 
asked, ``[t]hat's what you want,'' to which TFO One answered: 
``[y]eah,'' and noted that he would probably miss his next appointment 
with Registrant. Id. Registrant then prescribed to TFO One 200 dosage 
units of oxycodone 30 mg, 120 dosage units of oxycodone 15 mg, and 
sixty dosage units of carisoprodol. GX 3, at 19. Registrant noted that 
he had increased TFO One's medication, directed him to save some of the 
oxycodone 30 mg pills, and told him that he needed to come back in six 
weeks. GX 4, at 12-16.

TFO Two's Visit

    A second TFO, who used the name Gregory Martin, also visited 
Pompano Beach Medical on July 15, 2010. GX 7, at 2; GX 2, at 2. As was 
the case with TFO One, TFO Two had been seen by another physician at 
the clinic during two prior visits. GX 7, at 2; GX 2, at 25-28. At the 
first visit, in May 2010, TFO Two was prescribed 160 dosage units of 
oxycodone 30 mg, and sixty dosage units of carisoprodol. GX 2, at 28. 
At the next visit, in June 2010, TFO Two received prescriptions for 190 
dosage units of oxycodone 30 mg, and sixty dosage units of 
carisoprodol. Id. at 25.
    During the July 2010 visit, TFO Two ``paid $200 cash . . . and 
filled out a patient follow-up form.'' GX 7, at 2. He then was seen by 
Leah Gustavson, who noted that his ``pain is pretty well controlled,'' 
to which TFO Two replied,''[y]eah.'' GX 5, at 2. Gustavson confirmed 
that TFO Two's pain was in his mid-back, and asked whether he was 
experiencing any side effects. Id. at 2-3. TFO Two reported that he did 
not have any side effects. Id. at 3. Gustavson then proceeded to 
conduct a series of range of motion tests, which included asking TFO 
Two to ``stand up and touch [his] toes.'' Id. at 4-5. TFO Two and 
Gustavson discussed the TFO's current prescriptions, with the TFO 
mentioning that at his previous visit, the other doctor had stated that 
he would give the TFO a prescription for oxycodone 15 mg for 
breakthrough pain. Id. at 7. After making a note of TFO Two's request, 
id., Gustavson told him that she was going to break up his prescription 
for 190 dosage units of oxycodone 30 mg into two prescriptions, because 
``[s]ome [pharmacies] don't like to dispense more than one hundred 
eighty (180).'' Id. at 8. While discussing his carisoprodol 
prescription, TFO Two informed Gustavson that he was taking ``maybe one 
a day,'' leading Gustavson to suggest reducing the prescription to 
thirty dosage units, or giving him forty so he will ``have a couple of 
extra.'' Id. at 8-9.
    Registrant then entered the room to see TFO Two. Id. at 13. After 
discussing TFO Two's back pain, Registrant had him perform additional 
range of motion tests, during which he did not indicate significant 
pain. Id. at 14. Instead, TFO Two stated that he had some stiffness in 
his legs, and a ``little twitch'' when moving his head to the left. Id. 
at 14-15. Registrant noted that he did not ``see too much of the 
problem,'' and when examining the TFO's purported injury, observed that 
there was ``no compromise of . . . the nerves at all.'' Id. at 15. TFO 
Two then described his pain as ``an annoyance.'' Id.
    Registrant questioned TFO Two's need for the amount of oxycodone he 
was being prescribed, noting that 190 dosage units ``is a big dose,'' 
and reiterating that he did not ``have any compression of the nerves, 
or the spinal column, or the nerve root,'' and that it was ``difficult 
to understand that [he] ha[d] so much pain in there.'' Id. at 16-17. 
TFO Two again mentioned his having discussed receiving a prescription 
for oxycodone 15 mg with the previous physician; Registrant told the 
TFO that he would ``get [the TFO] some . . . to take in between then.'' 
Id. at 17.
    However, Registrant then observed that TFO Two was taking ``a lot 
of oxycodone'' for ``that little problem.'' Id. Registrant again 
reiterated that there was ``no compromise in the nerves'' and asked the 
TFO if he exercised. Id. Registrant told the TFO that swimming ``could 
improve the flexibility of the abs and strengthening of the muscles,'' 
and encouraged him to ``[t]ry to do it often.'' Id. at 17-18. 
Registrant then informed the TFO that he was writing the prescription 
for oxycodone 15 mg at his request. Id. at 18. Registrant also 
discussed with the TFO splitting the prescription for oxycodone 30 mg 
into two prescriptions to avoid issues with pharmacies refusing to fill 
the prescription. Id. at 18-19. TFO Two received two prescriptions for 
oxycodone 30 mg: one for 180 dosage units, and the other for ten dosage 
units; a prescription for 100 dosage units of oxycodone 15 mg; and a 
prescription for forty dosage units of carisoprodol. GX 2, at 22.

Evaluation of TFO Visits By the Government's Expert

    Dr. Reuben Hoch, M.D., reviewed the medical files for both TFOs, 
along with the recordings and transcripts of their visits with 
Registrant, and provided ``an expert opinion regarding the prescribing 
practices of [Registrant].'' GX 10, at 1. Dr. Hoch is an interventional 
pain medicine specialist and anesthesiologist practicing at Boca Raton 
Pain Medicine in Boca Raton, Florida. GX 10, at 1-2. Dr. Hoch received 
his medical degree from the Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv 
University in 1988 and is Board Certified in Anesthesiology and Pain 
Medicine by the American Board of Anesthesiology. Id. at 1; GX 1, at 1. 
Dr. Hoch has ``served as an expert witness on approximately ten 
different occasions.'' GX 10, at 1.
    Based on his review of the medical files, transcripts and 
recordings, Dr. Hoch noted, inter alia, that Registrant ``performed a 
brief and cursory physical exam'' of both TFOs, and that ``in each 
case, the officer received prescriptions for more oxycodone than he had 
during each officer's previous two visits at the clinic.'' Id. at 2. 
Dr. Hoch's observations

[[Page 59062]]

led him to ``conclude that, in [his] opinion, the Registrant failed to 
establish a sufficient doctor patient relationship with either TFO 
[One] or TFO [Two] and that the prescribing of controlled substances 
was outside the usual course of professional practice and for other 
than a legitimate medical purpose.'' Id.
    In support of this conclusion, Dr. Hoch found that the Registrant 
did not conduct ``an adequate evaluation of either patient,'' observing 
that ``a complete medical history was not taken.'' Id. Nor, according 
Dr. Hoch, did it appear from the records ``that the registrant made a 
serious inquiry into the cause of each patient's pain,'' which is 
required ``[i]n a valid doctor/patient relationship.'' Id. Dr. Hoch 
further explained that in order to complete a sufficient medical 
history, a physician should ``review the records of other physicians 
who have treated the patient.'' Id. Dr. Hoch noted that while both TFOs 
signed releases allowing access to their medical records, there were 
``no prior medical records included or referenced in the medical 
file.'' Id.
    Dr. Hoch further observed that the Registrant did not ``conduct an 
adequate physical examination of [either] officer,'' and stated that 
``during Registrant's (or his medical assistant's) examinations, 
neither officer demonstrated pain sufficient to justify the repeated 
prescribing of controlled substances.'' Id. Dr. Hoch also found that 
Registrant did not adequately address ``the effect of pain on the 
officers' physical and psychological function,'' which Dr. Hoch 
characterized as an ``important standard of pain management.'' Id.
    Dr. Hoch's also found that Registrant ``failed to create and/or 
document a sufficient treatment plan.'' Id. Dr. Hoch noted that 
Registrant did not recommend any ``further diagnostic evaluations or 
other therapies except to suggest that each officer attempt swimming,'' 
even though each officer's MRI ``failed to demonstrate serious enough 
pathology for the officers to receive the large amounts of controlled 
substances that were prescribed.'' Id. at 2-3. Dr. Hoch then observed 
that the pathologies shown on the MRI ``can usually be addressed by 
other means, such as physical therapy, exercise, work strengthening 
programs, abdominal core training, anti-inflammatories, and at times, 
injections such as nerve blocks with corticosteroids.'' Id. at 3.
    Based on Registrant's statements during his examinations of each 
TFO, Dr. Hoch also noted that even Registrant had doubts as to whether 
``there was a legitimate medical need to prescribe the large amounts of 
opioid medications that were prescribed.'' Id. However, Dr. Hoch 
observed that ``there was no attempt by Registrant to evaluate the 
appropriateness of continued treatment except to express doubt about 
the continued prescribing of opioid medications.'' Id. Moreover, 
notwithstanding the doubts Registrant expressed about utility of this 
course of treatment, he actually increased the amount of controlled 
substances prescribed to both TFOs. Id. Dr. Hoch thus opined that these 
actions demonstrate that ``there was an insufficient review of the 
course of treatment. . . .'' Id.
    Dr. Hoch further concluded ``that Registrant failed to sufficiently 
monitor the officers' compliance in medication usage.'' Id. This 
conclusion was based on the fact that Registrant increased both 
oxycodone prescriptions for TFO One, ``despite Registrant's expressed 
doubts about the need for so much medication.'' Id. Dr. Hoch then 
observed that Registrant increased these prescriptions based solely on 
TFO One's request and accompanying representation that he might miss 
his next appointment. Id. Dr. Hoch stated that TFO One's behavior 
``should have indicated a possible red flag for drug abuse.'' Id.
    Dr. Hoch found ``the evidence of possible drug abuse . . . even 
more obvious'' with respect to TFO Two. Id. Dr. Hoch's conclusion was 
based on the fact that ``TFO [Two] simply asked for more medication, 
not because of any new symptoms or pathology, but because another 
doctor had allegedly promised him more medication for `breakthrough 
[pain]' at his last appointment.'' Id. Despite this warning sign, and 
``without consulting the medical record,'' Registrant issued a 
prescription for 100 dosage units of oxycodone 15 mg to TFO Two. Id. 
Dr. Hoch concluded ``that Registrant failed to give the required 
special attention to the officers who . . . both demonstrated that they 
were at risk for misusing their medications.'' Id. at 3-4. Dr. Hoch 
further concluded that Registrant's actions in providing TFO Two with 
additional oxycodone for ``breakthrough pain'' lacked a legitimate 
medical justification and was based solely on the TFO's request for 
that medication. Id. at 4.
    Finally, Dr. Hoch concluded that ``there was no legitimate medical 
justification for prescribing carisoprodol . . . to either TFO [One] or 
TFO [Two].'' Id. Dr. Hoch noted that neither TFO's medical record 
contained ``any medical evidence justifying the need for prescribing 
carisoprodol.'' Id. Dr. Hoch's expert opinion regarding Registrant's 
treatment of and prescribing to the TFOs stands unrefuted and ``is 
sufficiently reliable to be accepted and relied upon in this [Order].'' 
See Cynthia M. Cadet, M.D., 76 FR 19450, 19458 (2011).

DI McRae's Interview of Registrant

    Following the July 2010 visits by the TFOs with Registrant, and Dr. 
Hoch's evaluation of their medical records and recordings and 
transcripts of the visits, a DEA Diversion Investigator (DI) and a 
third TFO interviewed Registrant regarding ``his employment at Pompano 
Beach Medical.'' GX 7, at 3. During this interview, Registrant informed 
the DI and the third TFO that he was currently employed at an entity 
named: ``A Pain Clinic of Delray, Inc.'' Id. Regarding his employment 
at Pompano Beach Medical, Registrant stated that ``he was taught that 
if he prescribed fewer than 200 pills of oxycodone in a single 
prescription and conducted a physical examination, there would not be a 
`problem' with the prescription.'' Id. Registrant admitted that due to 
``the large volume of patients he was required to see at the clinic, a 
physical exam lasted only 5-10 minutes.'' Id.

Discussion

    Under the CSA, ``[a] registration pursuant to section 823 of this 
title to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled substance . 
. . may be suspended or revoked by the Attorney General upon a finding 
that the registrant . . . has committed such acts as would render his 
registration under section 823 of this title inconsistent with the 
public interest as determined under such section.'' \2\ 21 U.S.C. 
824(a)(4). In determining ``the public interest'' with respect to a 
practitioner, Congress directed that the following factors be 
considered:
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    \2\ Pursuant to 28 CFR 0.100(b), this authority has been 
delegated by the Attorney General to the Administrator of the Drug 
Enforcement Administration.
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    (1) The recommendation of the appropriate State licensing board or 
professional disciplinary authority.
    (2) The [registrant's] experience in dispensing, or conducting 
research with respect to controlled substances.
    (3) The [registrant'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).

[[Page 59063]]

    ``[T]hese factors are . . . considered in the disjunctive.'' Robert 
A. Leslie, M.D., 68 FR 15227, 15230 (2003). It is well settled that I 
``may rely on any one or a combination of factors, and may give each 
factor the weight [I] deem appropriate in determining whether a 
registration should be revoked.'' Id.; see also MacKay v. DEA, 664 F.3d 
808, 816 (10th Cir. 2011); Volkman v. DEA, 567 F.3d 215, 222 (6th Cir. 
2009); Hoxie v. DEA, 419 F.3d 477, 482 (6th Cir. 2005). Moreover, while 
I am required to consider each of the factors, I ``need not make 
explicit findings as to each one.'' MacKay, 664 F.3d at 816 (quoting 
Volkman, 567 F.3d at 222 (quoting Hoxie, 419 F.3d at 482)).\3\
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    \3\ ``In short, this is not a contest in which score is kept; 
the Agency is not required to mechanically count up the factors and 
determine how many favor the Government and how many favor the 
registrant. Rather, it is an inquiry which focuses on protecting the 
public interest; what matters is the seriousness of the registrant's 
misconduct.'' Jayam Krishna-Iyer, 74 FR 459, 462 (2009). 
Accordingly, as the Tenth Circuit has recognized, findings under a 
single factor can support the revocation of a registration. See 
MacKay, 664 F.3d at 821.
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    The Government has the burden of proving, by a preponderance of the 
evidence, that the requirements for revocation or suspension pursuant 
to 21 U.S.C. 824(a) are met. 21 CFR 1301.44(e). This is so even in a 
non-contested case.
    In this matter, while I have considered all of the factors,\4\ I 
conclude that the Government's evidence with respect to Registrant's 
experience in dispensing controlled substances (factor two), and his 
compliance with applicable laws related to controlled substances 
(factor four), establishes that Registrant's continued registration 
``would be inconsistent with the public interest.'' 21 U.S.C. 823(f). 
Because Registrant waived his right to present evidence in rebuttal of 
the Government's prima facie case, I will order that his registration 
be revoked.
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    \4\ As for factor one, the Government presented no evidence 
regarding the status of Registrant's state license. However, even 
assuming that Registrant currently holds a valid state license 
authorizing him to prescribe controlled substances, this factor is 
not dispositive of the public interest determination ``because DEA 
has [a] separate oversight responsibility with respect to controlled 
substances.'' MacKay, 664 F.3d at 818.
     Regarding factor three, there is no evidence that Registrant 
has been convicted of an offense related to the manufacture, 
distribution or dispensing of controlled substances. However, as 
there are a number of reasons why a person may never be convicted of 
an offense falling under this factor, let alone be prosecuted for 
one, ``the absence of such a conviction is of considerably less 
consequence in the public interest inquiry'' and is thus not 
dispositive. Dewey C. MacKay, 75 FR 49956, 49973 (2010), pet. for 
rev. denied, MacKay, 664 F.3d at 810.
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Factors Two and Four--The Registrant's Experience in Dispensing 
Controlled Substances and Compliance With Applicable Federal and State 
Laws Related to Controlled Substances

    Under a longstanding DEA regulation, a prescription for a 
controlled substance is not ``effective'' unless it is ``issued for a 
legitimate medical purpose by an individual practitioner acting in the 
usual course of his professional practice.'' 21 CFR 1306.04(a). This 
regulation further provides that ``an order purporting to be a 
prescription issued not in the usual course of professional treatment. 
. . . is not a prescription within the meaning and intent of [21 U.S.C. 
829] and . . . the person issuing it, shall be subject to the penalties 
provided for violations of the provisions of law related to controlled 
substances.'' Id.; see also Fla. Stat. Sec.  893.05(1) (``A 
practitioner, in good faith and in the course of his or her 
professional practice only, may prescribe . . . a controlled 
substance[.]''); id. Sec.  893.13(1)(a) (rendering it ``unlawful for 
any persons to sell, manufacture, or deliver . . . a controlled 
substance'' except as authorized by the Florida Comprehensive Drug 
Abuse Prevention and Control Act, Fla. Stat. Sec. Sec.  893.01 et 
seq.); id. Sec.  458.331(q) (providing that prescribing ``any 
controlled substance, other than in the course of the physician's 
professional practice,'' is grounds for ``disciplinary action'').\5\
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    \5\ Florida law defines the term ``prescription'' to mean, in 
relevant part, ``an order for drugs . . . written, signed, or 
transmitted by word of mouth, telephone, telegram, or other means of 
communication by a duly licensed practitioner licensed by the laws 
of the state to prescribe such drugs . . ., issued in good faith and 
in the course of professional practice.'' Fla. Stat. Sec.  
893.02(22).
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    As the Supreme Court recently explained, ``the [CSA's] prescription 
requirement . . . ensures patients use controlled substances under the 
supervision of a doctor so as to prevent addiction and recreational 
abuse. As a corollary, [it] also bars doctors from peddling to patients 
who crave the drugs for those prohibited uses.'' Gonzales v. Oregon, 
546 U.S. 243, 274 (2006) (citing United States v. Moore, 423 U.S. 122, 
135, 143 (1975)).
    Under the CSA, it is fundamental that a practitioner must establish 
and maintain a bonafide doctor-patient relationship in order to act 
``in the usual course of . . . professional practice'' and to issue a 
prescription for a ``legitimate medical purpose.'' Laurence T. 
McKinney, 73 FR 43260, 43265 n.22 (2008); see also Moore, 423 U.S. at 
142-43 (noting that evidence established that physician ``exceeded the 
bounds of `professional practice,' '' when ``he gave inadequate 
physical examinations or none at all,'' ``ignored the results of the 
tests he did make,'' and ``took no precautions against . . . misuse and 
diversion''). The CSA generally looks to state law to determine whether 
a doctor and patient have established a bonafide doctor-patient 
relationship. See Kamir Garces-Mejias, 72 FR 54931, 54935 (2007); 
United Prescription Servs., Inc., 72 FR 50397, 50407 (2007); but see 21 
U.S.C. 829(e)(2)(B) (providing federal standard for prescribing over 
the internet).
    At the time of the TFOs' visits, the Florida Board of Medicine had, 
by regulation, adopted Standards for the Use of Controlled Substances 
for the Treatment of Pain.\6\ In promulgating these standards, the 
Board explained that it ``will consider prescribing . . . controlled 
substances for pain to be for a legitimate medical purpose if based on 
accepted scientific knowledge of the treatment of pain or if based on 
sound clinical grounds. All such prescribing must be based on clear 
documentation of unrelieved pain and in compliance with applicable 
state or federal law.'' Fla. Admin. Code r.64B8-9.013(1)(e) (2009) 
(emphasis added). The Board further explained that the standards were 
``not intended to define complete or best practice, but rather to 
communicate what the Board considers to be within the boundaries of 
professional practice.'' Id. at Sec.  1(g).
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    \6\ In October 2010, the Board issued a new regulation which, 
inter alia, amended various provisions of the guidelines by 
substituting the word ``shall'' for ``should.'' For example, before 
the amendment, the standard governing the treatment plan stated that 
``[t]he written treatment plan should state objectives that will be 
used to determine treatment success, such as pain relief and 
improved psycho social function.'' Fla. Admin. Code r.64B8-
9.013(3)(b). So too, the informed consent standard provided that 
``[t]he physician should discuss the risks and benefits of the use 
of controlled substances with the patient.'' Id. Sec.  (3)(c). 
Following the amendment, both of these provisions use the word 
``shall'' rather than ``should.''
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    Of particular relevance here is the Board's then-existing 
``Evaluation of the Patient'' standard. This standard provided that:

    A complete medical history and physical examination must be 
conducted and documented in the medical record. The medical record 
should document the nature and intensity of the pain, current and 
past treatments for pain, underlying or coexisting diseases or 
conditions, the effect of the pain on physical and psychological 
function, and history of substance abuse. The medical record also 
should document the presence of one or more recognized medical 
indications for the use of a controlled substance.

Id. Sec.  (3)(a).


[[Page 59064]]


    Here, the Government's Expert provided substantial evidence that 
Registrant acted outside of the usual course of professional practice 
and lacked a legitimate medical purpose when he prescribed controlled 
substances to the TFOs. As the Expert explained, and notwithstanding 
the Florida Board's ``Evaluation of the Patient'' standard, Registrant 
did not conduct an adequate evaluation of the TFOs in that he failed to 
take a complete medical history, did not make ``a serious inquiry into 
the cause of each [TFO's] pain,'' and did not ``conduct an adequate 
physical examination of'' of either TFO. GX 10, at 2. The Expert 
further observed that during the examination of the TFOs, ``neither 
officer demonstrated pain sufficient to justify the repeated 
prescribing of controlled substances'' and that Registrant did not 
adequately address ``the effect of pain on the officers' physical and 
psychological function.'' Id.
    The Expert thus concluded that ``Registrant failed to establish a 
sufficient doctor patient relationship with either TFO . . . and that 
[his] prescribing of controlled substances [to them] was outside the 
usual course of professional practice and for other than a legitimate 
medical purpose.'' \7\ Id. at 2. Accordingly, I find that Respondent 
violated the CSA's prescription regulation and that he knowingly or 
intentionally diverted controlled substances when he prescribed 
oxycodone to the TFOs. See 21 CFR 1306.04(a); 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1); see 
also Fla. Stat. Sec. Sec.  893.05(1), 893.13(1)(a).
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    \7\ The Expert also noted that Registrant ``failed to create 
and/or document a sufficient treatment plan''; failed to order 
``further diagnostic evaluations,'' even though each TFO's MRI 
``failed to demonstrate serious enough pathology for the officer to 
receive the large amounts of controlled substances that were 
prescribed''; and that the pathologies observed on their MRIs ``can 
usually be addressed by other means, such as physical therapy, 
exercise, work strengthening programs, abdominal core training, 
anti-inflammatories, and at times, . . . nerve blocks with 
corticosteroids.'' GX 10, at 2-3.
     As further support for his conclusion, the Expert noted that 
Registrant had increased the amount of controlled substances he 
prescribed to the two TFOs, notwithstanding that he expressed doubt 
as to whether either TFO needed the medications they were getting. 
Id. at 3. As the found above, Registrant told TFO One that he ``may 
not need medications'' because his ``MRI [didn't] show any 
compression of the nerves.'' GX 4, at 11. And as for TFO Two, 
Registrant noted that 190 dosage units of oxycodone 30 mg ``is a big 
dose,'' and that it was ``difficult to understand'' why TFO Two had 
``so much pain in there'' given that the TFO did not ``have any 
compression of the nerves, or the spinal column, or the nerve 
root.'' GX 5, at 16-17.
     Finally, the Expert noted that with respect to TFO One, 
Registrant increased the prescriptions based solely on the TFO's 
request that he do so because he might miss his next appointment, 
and that with respect to TFO Two, Registrant gave him an additional 
prescription for 100 dosage units of oxycodone 15mg based solely on 
the TFO's representation that the doctor he had previously seen at 
the clinic had promised him additional medication for breakthrough 
pain and did so ``without consulting the medical record.'' GX 10, at 
3.
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    I therefore hold that the Government's evidence with respect to 
factors two and four establishes that Registrant ``has committed such 
acts as would render his registration . . . inconsistent with the 
public interest.'' 21 U.S.C. 824(a)(4).\8\ Because Registrant waived 
his right to a hearing (or to submit a written statement in lieu of a 
hearing), there is no evidence in the record to refute the conclusion 
that his continued registration is ``inconsistent with the public 
interest.'' Id. Accordingly, I will order that Registrant's 
registration be revoked and that any pending applications be denied.
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    \8\ While the Government alleged in the Show Cause Order that 
Registrant's prescribing of carisoprodol also lacked a legitimate 
medical purpose, it is noted that carisoprodol was not federally 
controlled at the time of the events at issue here. See Schedules of 
Controlled Substances: Placement of Carisoprodol Into Schedule IV, 
76 FR 77330 (Dec. 12, 2011) (final rule). However, the Expert opined 
that Registrant did not have a legitimate medical justification for 
prescribing carisoprodol, which was then controlled under Florida 
law, to either TFO. See GX 10, at 4; Fla. Stat. Sec.  893.03(4)(jjj) 
(2010). While the Expert's opinion would support a finding that 
Registrant violated Florida law in prescribing carisoprodol to the 
TFOs, see Fla. Stat. Sec. Sec.  893.05(1), 893.13(1)(a), and such a 
violation is relevant in assessing a registrant's likelihood of 
future compliance with the CSA (under either factor four or five), 
see John V. Scalera, 78 FR 12092, 12100 (2013) (citing cases), the 
Government did not rely on this conduct in its Request for Final 
Agency Action. Accordingly, nor do I.
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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 DEA Certificate of 
Registration AS9790420, issued to Gabriel Sanchez, M.D., be, and hereby 
is, revoked. I further order that any pending application of Gabriel 
Sanchez, M.D., to renew or modify the above registration be, and it 
hereby is, denied. This Order is effective October 25, 2013.

    Dated: September 17, 2013.
Michele M. Leonhart,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2013-23285 Filed 9-24-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-09-P