Bruce I. Diamond; Denial of Hearing; Final Debarment Order, 68455-68459 [2013-27186]
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 220 / Thursday, November 14, 2013 / Notices
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the regulatory review period have been
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have been no requests under §§ 60.30
and 60.40; however, for purposes of this
information collection approval, we are
estimating that we may receive one
submission annually.
FDA estimates the burden of this
information collection as follows:
TABLE 1—ESTIMATED ANNUAL REPORTING BURDEN 1
Number of
responses per
respondent
Number of
respondents
21 CFR Section
Average
burden per
response
Total annual
responses
Total hours
60.24(a) ................................................................................
60.30 ....................................................................................
60.40 ....................................................................................
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
100
50
10
100
50
10
Total ..............................................................................
........................
........................
........................
........................
160
1 There
are no capital costs or operating and maintenance costs associated with this collection of information.
Dated: November 8, 2013.
Leslie Kux,
Assistant Commissioner for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2013–27226 Filed 11–13–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
[Docket No. FDA–2000–N–0110]
Bruce I. Diamond; Denial of Hearing;
Final Debarment Order
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AGENCY:
Food and Drug Administration,
HHS.
ACTION:
Notice.
The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) is denying Dr.
Bruce I. Diamond’s request for a hearing
and is issuing an order under the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
SUMMARY:
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(the FD&C Act) debarring Dr. Diamond
for 10 years from providing services in
any capacity to a person who has an
approved or pending drug product
application. FDA bases this order on
findings that Dr. Diamond was
convicted of felonies under State law for
conduct relating to the development or
approval of a drug product or otherwise
relating to the regulation of a drug
product under the FD&C Act, was
convicted of felonies involving fraud,
and was a material participant in acts
forming the basis of a conviction that
subjects another person to debarment. In
determining the appropriateness and
length of Dr. Diamond’s debarment
period, FDA has evaluated the relevant
considerations listed in the FD&C Act.
Dr. Diamond has failed to file with the
Agency information and analysis
sufficient to create a basis for a hearing
concerning this action.
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This order is effective November
14, 2013.
ADDRESSES: Submit applications for
termination of debarment to the
Division of Dockets Management (HFA–
305), Food and Drug Administration,
5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville,
MD 20852.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: G.
Matthew Warren, Office of Scientific
Integrity, Food and Drug
Administration, 10903 New Hampshire
Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20993, 301–
796–4613.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
DATES:
I. Background
On December 16, 1997, Dr. Diamond
pled guilty to 53 State criminal offenses,
including felonies, in the Superior Court
for the County of Richmond, Georgia,
and the court subsequently entered
judgment against him. The offenses in
the Official Code of Georgia to which
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Dr. Diamond pled guilty included 16
counts of theft by taking (section 16–8–
2), 10 counts of theft of services (section
16–8–5), 2 counts of written false
statements (section 16–10–20), 8 counts
of acquiring a controlled substance by
misrepresentation (section 16–13–43), 8
counts of prescribing or ordering
dangerous drugs (section 16–13–78.1), 7
counts of prescription of controlled
substances (section 16–13–41(f)), 1
count of practicing medicine without a
license (section 43–34–26), and 1 count
of bribery (section 16–10–2). On
February 10, 1999, in a separate
proceeding, Dr. Diamond consented to
disqualification from receiving
investigational new drugs under
§ 312.70(b) (21 CFR 312.70(b)).
Dr. Diamond, who holds a doctorate
in pharmacology but not a medical
degree, was a professor on the faculty of
the Medical College of Georgia (MCG),
a unit of the Board of Regents of the
University System of Georgia. Dr.
Diamond collaborated with a colleague
there, Richard Borison, M.D., Ph.D., to
manage clinical trials for various drug
companies. Without the knowledge or
consent of MCG, Drs. Diamond and
Borison used MCG and other
government-owned facilities and State
employees to conduct the clinical trials
but diverted the funds paid by the study
sponsors for their own gain, without
compensating the university system.
Although Dr. Diamond is not a
physician, he managed medical aspects
of the clinical trials. In that capacity, he
signed Dr. Borison’s name on
prescriptions for controlled substances
and other drugs the State defined as
dangerous. During the course of one
clinical trial, Drs. Borison and Diamond
bribed an employee not to report to
MCG an attempted suicide by one of the
study subjects.
By notice dated November 26, 2002,
FDA proposed to debar Dr. Diamond for
10 years from providing services in any
capacity to a person having an approved
or pending drug product application.
The notice explained that the proposal
was based on three separate grounds: (1)
Dr. Diamond was convicted of felonies
under State law for conduct relating to
the development or approval, including
the process for development or
approval, of any drug product or
otherwise relating to the regulation of
drug products under the FD&C Act, and
the type of conduct serving as the basis
of his convictions undermines the
process for the regulation of drugs
(section 306(b)(2)(B)(i)(I) of the FD&C
Act (21 U.S.C. 335a(b)(2)(B)(i)(I))); (2)
Dr. Diamond was convicted of felonies
involving bribery, fraud, and false
statement, and, on the basis of the
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convictions and other information,
demonstrated a pattern of conduct
sufficient to find that there is reason to
believe that he may violate requirements
under the FD&C Act relating to drug
products (section 306(b)(2)(B)(ii)(I); and
(3) Dr. Diamond materially participated
in acts that were the basis of Dr.
Borison’s conviction of offenses
subjecting Dr. Borison to debarment
under section 306(b)(2)(B)(ii) and Dr.
Diamond’s participation, and other
information, demonstrate a pattern of
conduct sufficient to find that there is
reason to believe that he may violate
requirements under the FD&C Act
relating to drug products (section
306(b)(2)(B)(iii)). The notice to Dr.
Diamond also outlined findings with
respect to four factors that were
considered in determining the
appropriateness and period of
debarment, as provided in section
306(c)(3) of the FD&C Act: (1) The
nature and seriousness of the offense,
(2) the nature and extent of management
participation in the offense, (3) the
nature and extent of voluntary steps to
mitigate the impact on the public, and
(4) prior convictions under the FD&C
Act or other acts involving matters
within the jurisdiction of FDA.
By letter dated January 2, 2003,
through counsel, Dr. Diamond requested
a hearing on the proposal to debar. On
February 17, 2004, after FDA granted
him extensions, Dr. Diamond submitted
a ‘‘final response’’ in support of his
request for a hearing on the proposal to
debar. In his response, Dr. Diamond
argues: (1) That his consent agreement
for disqualification under § 312.70(b)
precludes his debarment, (2) that he is
innocent of the charge of bribery, (3)
that he is innocent of the charges
involving drug prescribing, (4) that
assertions that he used unqualified
personnel to staff clinical trials are
without justification or support, (5) that
research subject safety was not
compromised under his supervision,
and (6) that he did not serve in a
managerial role for the criminal conduct
because Dr. Borison exercised control
over him at all times.
Hearings are granted only if there is
a genuine and substantial issue of fact.
Hearings will not be granted on issues
of policy or law, on mere allegations,
denials, or general descriptions of
positions and contentions, or on data
and information insufficient to justify
the factual determination urged or the
action requested (see § 12.24(b) (21 CFR
12.24(b))).
The Chief Scientist has considered Dr.
Diamond’s arguments and concludes
that they are unpersuasive and fail to
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raise a genuine and substantial issue of
fact requiring a hearing.
II. Arguments
In support of his hearing request, Dr.
Diamond presents six issues that we
will presume are intended to call into
question whether he is subject to
debarment—and, if so, whether FDA
should debar him—on the basis of any
of the three grounds, section
306(b)(2)(B)(i)(I), (b)(2)(B)(ii)(I), and
(b)(2)(B)(iii) of the FD&C Act, upon
which FDA relied. We therefore address
each of his arguments as a challenge to
the grounds for debarment or to FDA’s
conclusions regarding the
considerations in section 306(c)(3) of
the FD&C Act, as appropriate.
A. Disqualification Consent Agreement
Dr. Diamond first argues that the
consent agreement for his
disqualification from receiving
investigational drugs under § 312.70(b)
precludes his debarment under section
306 of the FD&C Act. In support, he
contends that the consent agreement
‘‘should have precluded any further
administrative action against [him].’’
The consent agreement states that the
‘‘agreement closes FDA’s administrative
proceedings in the present matter’’
(emphasis added). A debarment action
under section 306 of the FD&C Act is an
entirely separate matter from
disqualification proceedings. FDA has
the authority to disqualify a researcher
from conducting clinical testing of new
drugs when it determines that the
researcher has repeatedly or deliberately
not followed regulations intended to
protect study subjects and ensure data
integrity. (See § 312.70(a).) FDA also
may debar from the drug industry
individuals involved in certain conduct.
Once an individual has been debarred,
he may no longer provide services in
any capacity for anyone with a drug
product application that is approved or
pending at FDA. (See section 306(a) and
(b) of the FD&C Act.)
Furthermore, the consent agreement
itself does not foreclose other types of
administrative actions, such as
debarment under section 306 of the
FD&C Act. Finally, there is no statutory
basis for concluding that the Agency’s
decision to disqualify Dr. Diamond from
receiving investigational drugs under a
separate process precludes his
debarment. Accordingly, we conclude
that there is no genuine and substantial
issue of fact for resolution at a hearing
and that the consent agreement
regarding Dr. Diamond’s
disqualification does not prevent his
debarment. (See § 12.24(b)(1).)
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B. Debarment Under Section
306(b)(2)(B)(i)(I) or 306(b)(2)(B)(ii)(I) of
the FD&C Act
Dr. Diamond’s next two arguments
focus on the conduct underlying his
convictions for bribing an employee not
to report an attempted suicide by a
study subject and unlawfully acquiring
and prescribing controlled substances
and dangerous drugs. Dr. Diamond does
not deny that he was convicted of those
offenses, nor does he dispute that this
type of conduct subjects him to
permissive debarment under the FD&C
Act. Rather, he argues that he is
innocent of the charges and that ‘‘due to
his need to reach a plea agreement with
the State of Georgia to the charges that
he misappropriated money from the
State, he entered in to a complex and
not wholly supported in fact plea
agreement’’ and he ‘‘accepted perhaps
too much when he pled guilty.’’
Section 306(b)(2)(B)(i)(I) of the FD&C
Act provides FDA with authority to
debar an individual who has been
convicted of certain State felonies, if the
Agency finds that the type of conduct
serving as the basis for the conviction
undermines the process for the
regulation of drugs. The relevant factual
issues are whether Dr. Diamond was, in
fact, convicted of a felony under State
law for conduct relating to the
development or approval of a drug
product or otherwise relating to the
regulation of drug products under the
FD&C Act and whether that type of
conduct undermines the process for the
regulation of drugs. Dr. Diamond does
not dispute that he pled guilty to bribery
and unlawful prescriptions for
controlled substances and dangerous
drugs or that this type of conduct
undermines the process for the
regulation of drugs. Dr. Diamond has
therefore failed to show that a genuine
and substantial factual dispute exists
with respect to FDA’s finding that he is
subject to debarment under section
306(b)(2)(B)(i)(I) of the FD&C Act.
In the alternative, section
306(b)(2)(B)(ii)(I) of the FD&C Act
provides FDA with authority to debar an
individual who has been convicted of a
felony involving, among other things,
bribery, false statements, or fraud, if the
Agency finds that the individual has
demonstrated a pattern of conduct
sufficient to find that there is reason to
believe he may violate requirements
under the FD&C Act relating to drug
products. The relevant factual issues are
whether Dr. Diamond was convicted of
a felony involving bribery, false
statements, or fraud and whether he has
demonstrated a pattern of conduct
sufficient to find that there is reason to
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believe he may violate requirements
under the FD&C Act relating to drug
products. Dr. Diamond does not dispute
that he pled guilty to felonies involving
bribery, false statement, and fraud,
namely theft of over $10 million from
MCG by an 8-year pattern of deception,
bribing an employee, making written
false statements, acquiring controlled
substances by misrepresentation,
prescribing dangerous drugs and
controlled substances while not being a
registered practitioner, and practicing
medicine without a license. FDA further
determined that the type of conduct
underlying Dr. Diamond’s felony
convictions, which were based on the 8year conspiracy to defraud MCG
through a scheme involving clinical
studies, demonstrated ‘‘a pattern of
conduct sufficient to find that there is
reason to believe [Dr. Diamond] may
violate requirements relating to drug
products again.’’ This determination
was based on the nature of the conduct
underlying the offenses to which Dr.
Diamond pled guilty. Dr. Diamond has
therefore failed to show that a genuine
and substantial factual dispute exists
with respect to FDA’s finding that he is
subject to debarment under section
306(b)(2)(B)(ii)(I) of the FD&C Act.
Section 306(l) of the FD&C Act
includes in its definition of a
conviction, a guilty plea. Accordingly,
Dr. Diamond’s arguments regarding the
factual circumstances underlying his
plea fail to raise a genuine and
substantial issue of fact as to whether he
was convicted of a felony under State
law for conduct relating to the
development or approval of a drug
product or otherwise relating to the
regulation of a drug product under the
FD&C Act or whether he was convicted
of a felony involving bribery, false
statements, or fraud. Dr. Diamond
contends that his plea agreement was
‘‘not wholly supported in fact.’’ In his
Written Plea of Guilty, however, Dr.
Diamond states that ‘‘of my own free
will I want to plead guilty today to the
offenses [enumerated] . . . know and
understand that I do not have to say,
sign, or do anything that will show or
tend to show that I am guilty unless I
want to . . . My decision to plead guilty
is freely and voluntarily made . . . I did
in fact commit the offenses of which I
am charged. I am in fact guilty as
charged in the indictment and am in
fact guilty of the charges I am pleading
guilty to.’’ He also stated that he was
advised by competent counsel regarding
his constitutional and due process
rights. He was examined by the court
during a lengthy plea colloquy. Under
these circumstances, and in light of the
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68457
court’s acceptance of his guilty plea, Dr.
Diamond’s allegations that he was
actually innocent of the offenses and
that he signed a plea agreement that was
not wholly truthful are insufficient to
create a genuine and substantial issue of
fact for resolution at a hearing. (See
§ 12.24(b)(1) and (b)(2).) Therefore, Dr.
Diamond is subject to debarment.
C. Debarment Under Section
306(b)(2)(B)(iii) of the FD&C Act
Finally, FDA found that Dr. Diamond
is subject to debarment under section
306(b)(2)(B)(iii) of the FD&C Act for his
material participation in the acts that
resulted in another’s conviction for an
offense described in section
306(b)(2)(B)(ii)(I) and that on that basis,
Dr. Diamond had demonstrated a
pattern of conduct sufficient to support
a belief that he would violate
requirements under the FD&C Act
relating to drug products. On September
30, 2003, FDA debarred Dr. Diamond’s
co-conspirator, Dr. Borison, under
section 306(b)(2)(B)(ii)(I) of the FD&C
Act, for his conviction of felonies under
State law for racketeering, theft, and
false statements and representations.
(See Richard L. Borison; Debarment
Order, 68 FR 56298 (September 30,
2003).) Dr. Diamond does not deny his
material participation in the conduct
that led to Dr. Borison’s conviction. In
particular, he does not deny
participating with Dr. Borison in the
theft of over $10 million from MCG via
an 8-year pattern of deception involving
clinical trials. Furthermore, he does not
dispute that his behavior demonstrates
a pattern of conduct sufficient to
support a finding that he would violate
requirements under the FD&C Act
relating to drug products. Dr. Diamond
has therefore failed to show that a
genuine and substantial factual dispute
exists with respect to FDA’s finding that
he is subject to debarment under section
306(b)(2)(B)(iii) of the FD&C Act.
D. Debarment Considerations
Next, we construe Dr. Diamond’s
arguments regarding his innocence of
the charges of bribery and unlawful
prescriptions to be challenges to FDA’s
findings with respect to the debarment
considerations of section 306(c)(3) of the
FD&C Act. Dr. Diamond’s arguments
regarding the training and qualifications
of the staff he oversaw as part of his
criminal scheme and the safety of the
subjects who participated in the clinical
studies also seem to be directed at those
findings. As noted previously, he also
challenges FDA’s finding that he
participated as a manager in the offenses
involved because, he claims, Dr. Borison
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controlled him and masterminded the
entire criminal operation.
Section 306(c)(3) of the FD&C Act
requires that FDA consider, ‘‘where
applicable,’’ certain factors ‘‘[i]n
determining the appropriateness and the
period of debarment’’ for any permissive
debarment. The proposal to debar Dr.
Diamond set forth four applicable
considerations under section 306(c)(3)
of the FD&C Act: (1) The nature and
seriousness of his offense under section
306(c)(3)(A), (2) the nature and extent of
management participation in the offense
under section 306(c)(3)(B), (3) the nature
and extent of voluntary steps taken to
mitigate the impact on the public under
section 306(c)(3)(C), and (4) prior
convictions involving matters within
the jurisdiction of FDA under section
306(c)(3)(F).
In its proposal to debar, FDA
presented factual findings relevant to
each of the considerations. FDA
determined, under section 306(c)(3)(A)
of the FD&C Act, that the nature and
seriousness of Dr. Diamond’s offenses
weighed in favor of debarment because
of the scope of his criminal conduct, his
prescription of drugs without a
practitioner’s license, and his direction
of inadequately trained staff to perform
medical procedures, creating a risk of
injury. The Agency found, under section
306(c)(3)(B) of the FD&C Act, that Dr.
Diamond’s management participation in
the offenses weighed in favor of
debarment. The Agency found that Dr.
Diamond was a manager in that he
‘‘plann[ed] . . ., directed, and initiated
the conduct underlying [his]
conviction’’ and ‘‘directed other MCG
employees to recruit subjects and
participate in the conduct of the clinical
studies.’’ Under section 306(c)(3)(C) of
the FD&C Act, the Agency determined
that, although Dr. Diamond cooperated
with the authorities once they
discovered his criminal scheme, he did
not ‘‘promptly disclose to authorities all
wrongdoing’’ and exhibited a wanton
disregard for the public health by
bribing an employee to remain silent
about a suicide attempt. This factor also
was found to weigh in favor of
disbarment. Finally, relating to section
306(c)(3)(F) of the FD&C Act, FDA noted
that the Agency is unaware of any prior
convictions under the FD&C Act, a
favorable factor.
Dr. Diamond first appears to challenge
these findings by arguing that he is
actually innocent of the bribery and
unlawful prescriptions charges. As
noted previously, however, his claims of
actual innocence do not create a
genuine and substantial issue of fact, as
they must to justify a hearing under
§ 12.24(b). Dr. Diamond pled guilty to
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those offenses in Federal Court, and he
is bound by his guilty pleas,
notwithstanding his current arguments
that he pled guilty to those offenses only
for strategic reasons.
Dr. Diamond also contests the
Agency’s characterization of the
conduct underlying his criminal
convictions, as well as his material
participation in the offenses committed
by Dr. Borison. However, in pleading
guilty to 52 criminal offenses, Dr.
Diamond admitted to certain conduct.
The conduct to which he admitted
during the plea colloquy included
overseeing a staff of nine employees to
assist in running the clinical trials,
bribing an employee not to report an
adverse event, and prescribing
controlled substances without a medical
license. The offenses to which Dr.
Diamond pled guilty stemmed from an
8-year scheme to deceive a medical
college and his concurrent disregard for
the protection of patients afforded by
State laws.
By contending that the employees he
oversaw did, in fact, have adequate
training in drawing blood and that his
conduct did not compromise the safety
of any patients, Dr. Diamond is
challenging FDA’s proposed findings
regarding the nature and seriousness of
any offenses involved under section
306(c)(3)(A) of the FD&C Act and the
nature and extent of voluntary steps
taken to mitigate the effect on the public
under section 306(c)(3)(C). Even
assuming, as Dr. Diamond now argues,
that the nine employees he oversaw had
received adequate training in drawing
blood and that no patient was actually
harmed by Dr. Diamond’s conduct, the
8-year scheme in which he participated
still evinces both a clear disregard for
the laws designed to protect patients
and the public at large and a willingness
to commit fraud in furtherance of his
own financial gain. Dr. Diamond had 8
years to voluntarily mitigate the effects
of his wrongdoing but failed even to
modify his behavior to protect the
public. Furthermore, Dr. Diamond’s
arguments that he did not compromise
the safety of his patients are belied by
his convictions for violating numerous
State criminal statutes clearly aimed at
protecting patients, such as practicing
medicine without a license and
unlawfully acquiring and prescribing
controlled or dangerous drugs. In short,
given the scope of Dr. Diamond’s
conduct, his current claims regarding
the training of his employees and the
safety of his patients are inadequate to
create a genuine and substantial issue of
fact with respect to the considerations
in sections 306(c)(3)(A) and (c)(3)(C) or,
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more generally, the appropriateness or
period of his proposed debarment.
Finally, Dr. Diamond challenges the
Agency’s findings under section
306(c)(3)(B) of the FD&C Act that he
participated as a manager in his offenses
by arguing that Dr. Borison exercised
control over him and masterminded the
criminal scheme. As noted previously
and as outlined in the indictment to
which he pled guilty, however, Dr.
Diamond served a managerial role in the
offenses. Even assuming, as Dr.
Diamond now alleges, that he was at all
times second in command to Dr.
Borison, Dr. Diamond admitted during
his criminal proceedings that he
oversaw a staff of a least nine employees
in implementing the criminal scheme of
which he was convicted. Furthermore,
he does not dispute the findings in the
proposal to debar that he, along with Dr.
Borison, was involved in planning and
initiating the criminal scheme. Dr.
Diamond’s claim that he was ‘‘at all
times subservient to Dr. Borison’’ fails to
present a genuine and substantial issue
of fact with respect to the consideration
in section 306(c)(3)(B) of the FD&C Act
or, more generally, the appropriateness
or period of his proposed debarment.
Consistent with the findings in the
proposal to debar, the Chief Scientist
finds, based on the undisputed record
before the Agency, that debarment of Dr.
Diamond for two consecutive terms of 5
years is appropriate. The considerations
in section 306(c)(3)(A), (c)(3)(B), and
(c)(3)(C) of the FD&C Act weigh in favor
of debarring Dr. Diamond for at least 10
years. Although Dr. Diamond appears to
have no previous criminal convictions
related to matters within the jurisdiction
of FDA (see section 306(c)(3)(F) of the
FD&C Act), that consideration does not
counter to a sufficient degree the
remaining considerations to warrant
decreasing the periods of debarment. Of
particular note are the nature and
seriousness of Dr. Diamond’s offenses.
As detailed previously, Dr. Diamond
pled guilty to an 8-year criminal scheme
reflecting not only, as found in the
proposal to debar, ‘‘a wanton disregard
for the public health,’’ but also a
willingness to defraud a government
body over a sustained period of time.
Reducing the period of debarment from
10 years to some lesser amount of time
based on Dr. Diamond’s lack of prior
criminal convictions would be
inconsistent with protecting the public
health and thus the remedial purpose of
the Agency’s debarment authority under
section 306 of the FD&C Act.
II. Findings and Order
Therefore, the Chief Scientist, under
section 306(b)(2)(B)(i)(I) of the FD&C
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Act, or in the alternative section
306(b)(2)(B)(ii)(I) and (b)(2)(B)(iii) and
under authority delegated to him, finds
that Dr. Diamond is subject to
debarment. The Chief Scientist has
considered the relevant factors listed in
section 306(c)(3) of the FD&C Act and
determined that debarment for 10 years
is appropriate.
As a result of the foregoing findings,
Dr. Diamond is debarred for 10 years
from providing services in any capacity
to a person with an approved or
pending drug product application under
section 505, 512, or 802 of the FD&C Act
(21 U.S.C. 355, 360b, or 382), or under
section 351 of the Public Health Service
Act (42 U.S.C. 262), effective (see DATES)
(21 U.S.C. 335a(c)(1)(B) and (c)(2)(A)(iii)
and 21 U.S.C. 321(dd)). Any person
with an approved or pending drug
product application who knowingly
uses the services of Dr. Diamond, in any
capacity during his period of
debarment, will be subject to civil
money penalties. If Dr. Diamond, during
his period of debarment, provides
services in any capacity to a person with
an approved or pending drug product
application, he will be subject to civil
money penalties. In addition, FDA will
not accept or review any abbreviated
new drug applications submitted by or
with the assistance of Dr. Diamond
during his period of debarment.
Any application by Dr. Diamond for
termination of debarment under section
306(d) of the FD&C Act should be
identified with Docket No. FDA–2000–
N–0110 and sent to the Division of
Dockets Management (see ADDRESSES).
All such submissions are to be filed in
four copies. The public availability of
information in these submissions is
governed by 21 CFR 10.20(j).
Publicly available submissions may
be seen in the Division of Dockets
Management between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.,
Monday through Friday. Persons with
access to the Internet may obtain
documents in the Docket at https://
www.regulations.gov/.
Dated: November 4, 2013.
Jesse L. Goodman,
Chief Scientist.
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
[Docket No. FDA–2013–D–1279]
Medical Device Development Tools;
Draft Guidance for Industry, Tool
Developers, and Food and Drug
Administration Staff; Availability
AGENCY:
Food and Drug Administration,
HHS.
ACTION:
Notice.
The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) is announcing the
availability of the draft guidance
entitled ‘‘Medical Device Development
Tools.’’ This document provides
guidance to FDA staff, industry,
healthcare providers, researchers, and
patient and consumer groups on a new
voluntary process within the Center for
Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH)
for qualification of medical device
development tools (MDDT) for use in
device development and evaluation
programs. This draft guidance is not
final nor is it in effect at this time.
DATES: Although you can comment on
any guidance at any time (see 21 CFR
10.115(g)(5)), to ensure that the Agency
considers your comment on this draft
guidance before it begins work on the
final version of the guidance, submit
either electronic or written comments
on the draft guidance by February 12,
2014.
SUMMARY:
Submit written requests for
single copies of the draft guidance
document entitled ‘‘Medical Device
Development Tools’’ to the Division of
Small Manufacturers, International and
Consumer Assistance, Center for
Devices and Radiological Health, Food
and Drug Administration, 10903 New
Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 66, Rm. 4613,
Silver Spring, MD 20993–0002. Send
one self-addressed adhesive label to
assist that office in processing your
request, or fax your request to 301–847–
8149. See the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION section for information on
electronic access to the guidance.
Submit electronic comments on the
draft guidance to https://
www.regulations.gov. Submit written
comments to the Division of Dockets
Management (HFA–305), Food and Drug
Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, rm.
1061, Rockville, MD 20852. Identify
comments with the docket number
found in brackets in the heading of this
document.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kathryn O’Callaghan, Center for Devices
and Radiological Health, Food and Drug
ADDRESSES:
PO 00000
Frm 00050
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
68459
Administration, 10903 New Hampshire
Ave., Bldg. 66, Rm. 3614, Silver Spring,
MD 20993–0002, 301–796–6349.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
The draft guidance describes the
framework and process for the voluntary
CDRH qualification of MDDT, including
definitions of applicable terms, criteria
for evaluating an MDDT for a specific
context of use, the threshold for
qualification, and the contents of a
qualification submission. The intent of
this voluntary qualification policy is to:
(1) Enable faster, more efficient
development of important life-saving
and health-promoting medical devices;
(2) promote the development of tools to
facilitate more timely device evaluation;
(3) provide a mechanism to better
leverage advances in regulatory science;
and (4) more quickly and more clearly
communicate with CDRH stakeholders
about important advances in regulatory
science that may be leveraged to speed
device development and regulatory
evaluation. CDRH expects the
qualification process to expedite
development of publicly available tools
which could potentially be used widely
in multiple device development
programs. Once an MDDT is qualified
for a specific context of use, it can be
used by any medical device developer
for that context of use.
At some point in the future, FDA may
initiate a pilot program for MDDT
qualification submissions, which would
help inform final guidance on this topic.
FDA would publicly announce such a
program prior to initiation.
This guidance does not discuss the
review of MDDTs submitted as part of
a specific medical device regulatory
submission, nor does it address the
specific evidentiary standards or
performance requirements needed for
purposes of qualification of a specific
MDDT.
II. Significance of Guidance
This draft guidance is being issued
consistent with FDA’s good guidance
practices regulation (21 CFR 10.115).
The draft guidance, when finalized, will
represent the Agency’s current thinking
on the qualification of MDDTs. It does
not create or confer any rights for or on
any person and does not operate to bind
FDA or the public. An alternative
approach may be used if such approach
satisfies the requirements of the
applicable statute and regulations.
III. Electronic Access
Persons interested in obtaining a copy
of the draft guidance may do so by using
the Internet. A search capability for all
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 220 (Thursday, November 14, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68455-68459]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-27186]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
[Docket No. FDA-2000-N-0110]
Bruce I. Diamond; Denial of Hearing; Final Debarment Order
AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is denying Dr. Bruce I.
Diamond's request for a hearing and is issuing an order under the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the FD&C Act) debarring Dr.
Diamond for 10 years from providing services in any capacity to a
person who has an approved or pending drug product application. FDA
bases this order on findings that Dr. Diamond was convicted of felonies
under State law for conduct relating to the development or approval of
a drug product or otherwise relating to the regulation of a drug
product under the FD&C Act, was convicted of felonies involving fraud,
and was a material participant in acts forming the basis of a
conviction that subjects another person to debarment. In determining
the appropriateness and length of Dr. Diamond's debarment period, FDA
has evaluated the relevant considerations listed in the FD&C Act. Dr.
Diamond has failed to file with the Agency information and analysis
sufficient to create a basis for a hearing concerning this action.
DATES: This order is effective November 14, 2013.
ADDRESSES: Submit applications for termination of debarment to the
Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration,
5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: G. Matthew Warren, Office of
Scientific Integrity, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire
Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20993, 301-796-4613.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
On December 16, 1997, Dr. Diamond pled guilty to 53 State criminal
offenses, including felonies, in the Superior Court for the County of
Richmond, Georgia, and the court subsequently entered judgment against
him. The offenses in the Official Code of Georgia to which
[[Page 68456]]
Dr. Diamond pled guilty included 16 counts of theft by taking (section
16-8-2), 10 counts of theft of services (section 16-8-5), 2 counts of
written false statements (section 16-10-20), 8 counts of acquiring a
controlled substance by misrepresentation (section 16-13-43), 8 counts
of prescribing or ordering dangerous drugs (section 16-13-78.1), 7
counts of prescription of controlled substances (section 16-13-41(f)),
1 count of practicing medicine without a license (section 43-34-26),
and 1 count of bribery (section 16-10-2). On February 10, 1999, in a
separate proceeding, Dr. Diamond consented to disqualification from
receiving investigational new drugs under Sec. 312.70(b) (21 CFR
312.70(b)).
Dr. Diamond, who holds a doctorate in pharmacology but not a
medical degree, was a professor on the faculty of the Medical College
of Georgia (MCG), a unit of the Board of Regents of the University
System of Georgia. Dr. Diamond collaborated with a colleague there,
Richard Borison, M.D., Ph.D., to manage clinical trials for various
drug companies. Without the knowledge or consent of MCG, Drs. Diamond
and Borison used MCG and other government-owned facilities and State
employees to conduct the clinical trials but diverted the funds paid by
the study sponsors for their own gain, without compensating the
university system. Although Dr. Diamond is not a physician, he managed
medical aspects of the clinical trials. In that capacity, he signed Dr.
Borison's name on prescriptions for controlled substances and other
drugs the State defined as dangerous. During the course of one clinical
trial, Drs. Borison and Diamond bribed an employee not to report to MCG
an attempted suicide by one of the study subjects.
By notice dated November 26, 2002, FDA proposed to debar Dr.
Diamond for 10 years from providing services in any capacity to a
person having an approved or pending drug product application. The
notice explained that the proposal was based on three separate grounds:
(1) Dr. Diamond was convicted of felonies under State law for conduct
relating to the development or approval, including the process for
development or approval, of any drug product or otherwise relating to
the regulation of drug products under the FD&C Act, and the type of
conduct serving as the basis of his convictions undermines the process
for the regulation of drugs (section 306(b)(2)(B)(i)(I) of the FD&C Act
(21 U.S.C. 335a(b)(2)(B)(i)(I))); (2) Dr. Diamond was convicted of
felonies involving bribery, fraud, and false statement, and, on the
basis of the convictions and other information, demonstrated a pattern
of conduct sufficient to find that there is reason to believe that he
may violate requirements under the FD&C Act relating to drug products
(section 306(b)(2)(B)(ii)(I); and (3) Dr. Diamond materially
participated in acts that were the basis of Dr. Borison's conviction of
offenses subjecting Dr. Borison to debarment under section
306(b)(2)(B)(ii) and Dr. Diamond's participation, and other
information, demonstrate a pattern of conduct sufficient to find that
there is reason to believe that he may violate requirements under the
FD&C Act relating to drug products (section 306(b)(2)(B)(iii)). The
notice to Dr. Diamond also outlined findings with respect to four
factors that were considered in determining the appropriateness and
period of debarment, as provided in section 306(c)(3) of the FD&C Act:
(1) The nature and seriousness of the offense, (2) the nature and
extent of management participation in the offense, (3) the nature and
extent of voluntary steps to mitigate the impact on the public, and (4)
prior convictions under the FD&C Act or other acts involving matters
within the jurisdiction of FDA.
By letter dated January 2, 2003, through counsel, Dr. Diamond
requested a hearing on the proposal to debar. On February 17, 2004,
after FDA granted him extensions, Dr. Diamond submitted a ``final
response'' in support of his request for a hearing on the proposal to
debar. In his response, Dr. Diamond argues: (1) That his consent
agreement for disqualification under Sec. 312.70(b) precludes his
debarment, (2) that he is innocent of the charge of bribery, (3) that
he is innocent of the charges involving drug prescribing, (4) that
assertions that he used unqualified personnel to staff clinical trials
are without justification or support, (5) that research subject safety
was not compromised under his supervision, and (6) that he did not
serve in a managerial role for the criminal conduct because Dr. Borison
exercised control over him at all times.
Hearings are granted only if there is a genuine and substantial
issue of fact. Hearings will not be granted on issues of policy or law,
on mere allegations, denials, or general descriptions of positions and
contentions, or on data and information insufficient to justify the
factual determination urged or the action requested (see Sec. 12.24(b)
(21 CFR 12.24(b))).
The Chief Scientist has considered Dr. Diamond's arguments and
concludes that they are unpersuasive and fail to raise a genuine and
substantial issue of fact requiring a hearing.
II. Arguments
In support of his hearing request, Dr. Diamond presents six issues
that we will presume are intended to call into question whether he is
subject to debarment--and, if so, whether FDA should debar him--on the
basis of any of the three grounds, section 306(b)(2)(B)(i)(I),
(b)(2)(B)(ii)(I), and (b)(2)(B)(iii) of the FD&C Act, upon which FDA
relied. We therefore address each of his arguments as a challenge to
the grounds for debarment or to FDA's conclusions regarding the
considerations in section 306(c)(3) of the FD&C Act, as appropriate.
A. Disqualification Consent Agreement
Dr. Diamond first argues that the consent agreement for his
disqualification from receiving investigational drugs under Sec.
312.70(b) precludes his debarment under section 306 of the FD&C Act. In
support, he contends that the consent agreement ``should have precluded
any further administrative action against [him].''
The consent agreement states that the ``agreement closes FDA's
administrative proceedings in the present matter'' (emphasis added). A
debarment action under section 306 of the FD&C Act is an entirely
separate matter from disqualification proceedings. FDA has the
authority to disqualify a researcher from conducting clinical testing
of new drugs when it determines that the researcher has repeatedly or
deliberately not followed regulations intended to protect study
subjects and ensure data integrity. (See Sec. 312.70(a).) FDA also may
debar from the drug industry individuals involved in certain conduct.
Once an individual has been debarred, he may no longer provide services
in any capacity for anyone with a drug product application that is
approved or pending at FDA. (See section 306(a) and (b) of the FD&C
Act.)
Furthermore, the consent agreement itself does not foreclose other
types of administrative actions, such as debarment under section 306 of
the FD&C Act. Finally, there is no statutory basis for concluding that
the Agency's decision to disqualify Dr. Diamond from receiving
investigational drugs under a separate process precludes his debarment.
Accordingly, we conclude that there is no genuine and substantial issue
of fact for resolution at a hearing and that the consent agreement
regarding Dr. Diamond's disqualification does not prevent his
debarment. (See Sec. 12.24(b)(1).)
[[Page 68457]]
B. Debarment Under Section 306(b)(2)(B)(i)(I) or 306(b)(2)(B)(ii)(I) of
the FD&C Act
Dr. Diamond's next two arguments focus on the conduct underlying
his convictions for bribing an employee not to report an attempted
suicide by a study subject and unlawfully acquiring and prescribing
controlled substances and dangerous drugs. Dr. Diamond does not deny
that he was convicted of those offenses, nor does he dispute that this
type of conduct subjects him to permissive debarment under the FD&C
Act. Rather, he argues that he is innocent of the charges and that
``due to his need to reach a plea agreement with the State of Georgia
to the charges that he misappropriated money from the State, he entered
in to a complex and not wholly supported in fact plea agreement'' and
he ``accepted perhaps too much when he pled guilty.''
Section 306(b)(2)(B)(i)(I) of the FD&C Act provides FDA with
authority to debar an individual who has been convicted of certain
State felonies, if the Agency finds that the type of conduct serving as
the basis for the conviction undermines the process for the regulation
of drugs. The relevant factual issues are whether Dr. Diamond was, in
fact, convicted of a felony under State law for conduct relating to the
development or approval of a drug product or otherwise relating to the
regulation of drug products under the FD&C Act and whether that type of
conduct undermines the process for the regulation of drugs. Dr. Diamond
does not dispute that he pled guilty to bribery and unlawful
prescriptions for controlled substances and dangerous drugs or that
this type of conduct undermines the process for the regulation of
drugs. Dr. Diamond has therefore failed to show that a genuine and
substantial factual dispute exists with respect to FDA's finding that
he is subject to debarment under section 306(b)(2)(B)(i)(I) of the FD&C
Act.
In the alternative, section 306(b)(2)(B)(ii)(I) of the FD&C Act
provides FDA with authority to debar an individual who has been
convicted of a felony involving, among other things, bribery, false
statements, or fraud, if the Agency finds that the individual has
demonstrated a pattern of conduct sufficient to find that there is
reason to believe he may violate requirements under the FD&C Act
relating to drug products. The relevant factual issues are whether Dr.
Diamond was convicted of a felony involving bribery, false statements,
or fraud and whether he has demonstrated a pattern of conduct
sufficient to find that there is reason to believe he may violate
requirements under the FD&C Act relating to drug products. Dr. Diamond
does not dispute that he pled guilty to felonies involving bribery,
false statement, and fraud, namely theft of over $10 million from MCG
by an 8-year pattern of deception, bribing an employee, making written
false statements, acquiring controlled substances by misrepresentation,
prescribing dangerous drugs and controlled substances while not being a
registered practitioner, and practicing medicine without a license. FDA
further determined that the type of conduct underlying Dr. Diamond's
felony convictions, which were based on the 8-year conspiracy to
defraud MCG through a scheme involving clinical studies, demonstrated
``a pattern of conduct sufficient to find that there is reason to
believe [Dr. Diamond] may violate requirements relating to drug
products again.'' This determination was based on the nature of the
conduct underlying the offenses to which Dr. Diamond pled guilty. Dr.
Diamond has therefore failed to show that a genuine and substantial
factual dispute exists with respect to FDA's finding that he is subject
to debarment under section 306(b)(2)(B)(ii)(I) of the FD&C Act.
Section 306(l) of the FD&C Act includes in its definition of a
conviction, a guilty plea. Accordingly, Dr. Diamond's arguments
regarding the factual circumstances underlying his plea fail to raise a
genuine and substantial issue of fact as to whether he was convicted of
a felony under State law for conduct relating to the development or
approval of a drug product or otherwise relating to the regulation of a
drug product under the FD&C Act or whether he was convicted of a felony
involving bribery, false statements, or fraud. Dr. Diamond contends
that his plea agreement was ``not wholly supported in fact.'' In his
Written Plea of Guilty, however, Dr. Diamond states that ``of my own
free will I want to plead guilty today to the offenses [enumerated] . .
. know and understand that I do not have to say, sign, or do anything
that will show or tend to show that I am guilty unless I want to . . .
My decision to plead guilty is freely and voluntarily made . . . I did
in fact commit the offenses of which I am charged. I am in fact guilty
as charged in the indictment and am in fact guilty of the charges I am
pleading guilty to.'' He also stated that he was advised by competent
counsel regarding his constitutional and due process rights. He was
examined by the court during a lengthy plea colloquy. Under these
circumstances, and in light of the court's acceptance of his guilty
plea, Dr. Diamond's allegations that he was actually innocent of the
offenses and that he signed a plea agreement that was not wholly
truthful are insufficient to create a genuine and substantial issue of
fact for resolution at a hearing. (See Sec. 12.24(b)(1) and (b)(2).)
Therefore, Dr. Diamond is subject to debarment.
C. Debarment Under Section 306(b)(2)(B)(iii) of the FD&C Act
Finally, FDA found that Dr. Diamond is subject to debarment under
section 306(b)(2)(B)(iii) of the FD&C Act for his material
participation in the acts that resulted in another's conviction for an
offense described in section 306(b)(2)(B)(ii)(I) and that on that
basis, Dr. Diamond had demonstrated a pattern of conduct sufficient to
support a belief that he would violate requirements under the FD&C Act
relating to drug products. On September 30, 2003, FDA debarred Dr.
Diamond's co-conspirator, Dr. Borison, under section
306(b)(2)(B)(ii)(I) of the FD&C Act, for his conviction of felonies
under State law for racketeering, theft, and false statements and
representations. (See Richard L. Borison; Debarment Order, 68 FR 56298
(September 30, 2003).) Dr. Diamond does not deny his material
participation in the conduct that led to Dr. Borison's conviction. In
particular, he does not deny participating with Dr. Borison in the
theft of over $10 million from MCG via an 8-year pattern of deception
involving clinical trials. Furthermore, he does not dispute that his
behavior demonstrates a pattern of conduct sufficient to support a
finding that he would violate requirements under the FD&C Act relating
to drug products. Dr. Diamond has therefore failed to show that a
genuine and substantial factual dispute exists with respect to FDA's
finding that he is subject to debarment under section 306(b)(2)(B)(iii)
of the FD&C Act.
D. Debarment Considerations
Next, we construe Dr. Diamond's arguments regarding his innocence
of the charges of bribery and unlawful prescriptions to be challenges
to FDA's findings with respect to the debarment considerations of
section 306(c)(3) of the FD&C Act. Dr. Diamond's arguments regarding
the training and qualifications of the staff he oversaw as part of his
criminal scheme and the safety of the subjects who participated in the
clinical studies also seem to be directed at those findings. As noted
previously, he also challenges FDA's finding that he participated as a
manager in the offenses involved because, he claims, Dr. Borison
[[Page 68458]]
controlled him and masterminded the entire criminal operation.
Section 306(c)(3) of the FD&C Act requires that FDA consider,
``where applicable,'' certain factors ``[i]n determining the
appropriateness and the period of debarment'' for any permissive
debarment. The proposal to debar Dr. Diamond set forth four applicable
considerations under section 306(c)(3) of the FD&C Act: (1) The nature
and seriousness of his offense under section 306(c)(3)(A), (2) the
nature and extent of management participation in the offense under
section 306(c)(3)(B), (3) the nature and extent of voluntary steps
taken to mitigate the impact on the public under section 306(c)(3)(C),
and (4) prior convictions involving matters within the jurisdiction of
FDA under section 306(c)(3)(F).
In its proposal to debar, FDA presented factual findings relevant
to each of the considerations. FDA determined, under section
306(c)(3)(A) of the FD&C Act, that the nature and seriousness of Dr.
Diamond's offenses weighed in favor of debarment because of the scope
of his criminal conduct, his prescription of drugs without a
practitioner's license, and his direction of inadequately trained staff
to perform medical procedures, creating a risk of injury. The Agency
found, under section 306(c)(3)(B) of the FD&C Act, that Dr. Diamond's
management participation in the offenses weighed in favor of debarment.
The Agency found that Dr. Diamond was a manager in that he ``plann[ed]
. . ., directed, and initiated the conduct underlying [his]
conviction'' and ``directed other MCG employees to recruit subjects and
participate in the conduct of the clinical studies.'' Under section
306(c)(3)(C) of the FD&C Act, the Agency determined that, although Dr.
Diamond cooperated with the authorities once they discovered his
criminal scheme, he did not ``promptly disclose to authorities all
wrongdoing'' and exhibited a wanton disregard for the public health by
bribing an employee to remain silent about a suicide attempt. This
factor also was found to weigh in favor of disbarment. Finally,
relating to section 306(c)(3)(F) of the FD&C Act, FDA noted that the
Agency is unaware of any prior convictions under the FD&C Act, a
favorable factor.
Dr. Diamond first appears to challenge these findings by arguing
that he is actually innocent of the bribery and unlawful prescriptions
charges. As noted previously, however, his claims of actual innocence
do not create a genuine and substantial issue of fact, as they must to
justify a hearing under Sec. 12.24(b). Dr. Diamond pled guilty to
those offenses in Federal Court, and he is bound by his guilty pleas,
notwithstanding his current arguments that he pled guilty to those
offenses only for strategic reasons.
Dr. Diamond also contests the Agency's characterization of the
conduct underlying his criminal convictions, as well as his material
participation in the offenses committed by Dr. Borison. However, in
pleading guilty to 52 criminal offenses, Dr. Diamond admitted to
certain conduct. The conduct to which he admitted during the plea
colloquy included overseeing a staff of nine employees to assist in
running the clinical trials, bribing an employee not to report an
adverse event, and prescribing controlled substances without a medical
license. The offenses to which Dr. Diamond pled guilty stemmed from an
8-year scheme to deceive a medical college and his concurrent disregard
for the protection of patients afforded by State laws.
By contending that the employees he oversaw did, in fact, have
adequate training in drawing blood and that his conduct did not
compromise the safety of any patients, Dr. Diamond is challenging FDA's
proposed findings regarding the nature and seriousness of any offenses
involved under section 306(c)(3)(A) of the FD&C Act and the nature and
extent of voluntary steps taken to mitigate the effect on the public
under section 306(c)(3)(C). Even assuming, as Dr. Diamond now argues,
that the nine employees he oversaw had received adequate training in
drawing blood and that no patient was actually harmed by Dr. Diamond's
conduct, the 8-year scheme in which he participated still evinces both
a clear disregard for the laws designed to protect patients and the
public at large and a willingness to commit fraud in furtherance of his
own financial gain. Dr. Diamond had 8 years to voluntarily mitigate the
effects of his wrongdoing but failed even to modify his behavior to
protect the public. Furthermore, Dr. Diamond's arguments that he did
not compromise the safety of his patients are belied by his convictions
for violating numerous State criminal statutes clearly aimed at
protecting patients, such as practicing medicine without a license and
unlawfully acquiring and prescribing controlled or dangerous drugs. In
short, given the scope of Dr. Diamond's conduct, his current claims
regarding the training of his employees and the safety of his patients
are inadequate to create a genuine and substantial issue of fact with
respect to the considerations in sections 306(c)(3)(A) and (c)(3)(C)
or, more generally, the appropriateness or period of his proposed
debarment.
Finally, Dr. Diamond challenges the Agency's findings under section
306(c)(3)(B) of the FD&C Act that he participated as a manager in his
offenses by arguing that Dr. Borison exercised control over him and
masterminded the criminal scheme. As noted previously and as outlined
in the indictment to which he pled guilty, however, Dr. Diamond served
a managerial role in the offenses. Even assuming, as Dr. Diamond now
alleges, that he was at all times second in command to Dr. Borison, Dr.
Diamond admitted during his criminal proceedings that he oversaw a
staff of a least nine employees in implementing the criminal scheme of
which he was convicted. Furthermore, he does not dispute the findings
in the proposal to debar that he, along with Dr. Borison, was involved
in planning and initiating the criminal scheme. Dr. Diamond's claim
that he was ``at all times subservient to Dr. Borison'' fails to
present a genuine and substantial issue of fact with respect to the
consideration in section 306(c)(3)(B) of the FD&C Act or, more
generally, the appropriateness or period of his proposed debarment.
Consistent with the findings in the proposal to debar, the Chief
Scientist finds, based on the undisputed record before the Agency, that
debarment of Dr. Diamond for two consecutive terms of 5 years is
appropriate. The considerations in section 306(c)(3)(A), (c)(3)(B), and
(c)(3)(C) of the FD&C Act weigh in favor of debarring Dr. Diamond for
at least 10 years. Although Dr. Diamond appears to have no previous
criminal convictions related to matters within the jurisdiction of FDA
(see section 306(c)(3)(F) of the FD&C Act), that consideration does not
counter to a sufficient degree the remaining considerations to warrant
decreasing the periods of debarment. Of particular note are the nature
and seriousness of Dr. Diamond's offenses. As detailed previously, Dr.
Diamond pled guilty to an 8-year criminal scheme reflecting not only,
as found in the proposal to debar, ``a wanton disregard for the public
health,'' but also a willingness to defraud a government body over a
sustained period of time. Reducing the period of debarment from 10
years to some lesser amount of time based on Dr. Diamond's lack of
prior criminal convictions would be inconsistent with protecting the
public health and thus the remedial purpose of the Agency's debarment
authority under section 306 of the FD&C Act.
II. Findings and Order
Therefore, the Chief Scientist, under section 306(b)(2)(B)(i)(I) of
the FD&C
[[Page 68459]]
Act, or in the alternative section 306(b)(2)(B)(ii)(I) and
(b)(2)(B)(iii) and under authority delegated to him, finds that Dr.
Diamond is subject to debarment. The Chief Scientist has considered the
relevant factors listed in section 306(c)(3) of the FD&C Act and
determined that debarment for 10 years is appropriate.
As a result of the foregoing findings, Dr. Diamond is debarred for
10 years from providing services in any capacity to a person with an
approved or pending drug product application under section 505, 512, or
802 of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 355, 360b, or 382), or under section 351
of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 262), effective (see DATES)
(21 U.S.C. 335a(c)(1)(B) and (c)(2)(A)(iii) and 21 U.S.C. 321(dd)). Any
person with an approved or pending drug product application who
knowingly uses the services of Dr. Diamond, in any capacity during his
period of debarment, will be subject to civil money penalties. If Dr.
Diamond, during his period of debarment, provides services in any
capacity to a person with an approved or pending drug product
application, he will be subject to civil money penalties. In addition,
FDA will not accept or review any abbreviated new drug applications
submitted by or with the assistance of Dr. Diamond during his period of
debarment.
Any application by Dr. Diamond for termination of debarment under
section 306(d) of the FD&C Act should be identified with Docket No.
FDA-2000-N-0110 and sent to the Division of Dockets Management (see
ADDRESSES). All such submissions are to be filed in four copies. The
public availability of information in these submissions is governed by
21 CFR 10.20(j).
Publicly available submissions may be seen in the Division of
Dockets Management between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Persons with access to the Internet may obtain documents in the Docket
at https://www.regulations.gov/.
Dated: November 4, 2013.
Jesse L. Goodman,
Chief Scientist.
[FR Doc. 2013-27186 Filed 11-13-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-01-P