Petitioner: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, BOARD OF MEDICINE
Respondent: LOWELL ANTHONY ADKINS, M.D.
Judges: LARRY J. SARTIN
Agency: Department of Health
Locations: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Filed: Sep. 08, 2009
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Thursday, January 21, 2010.
Latest Update: Dec. 24, 2024
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STATE OF FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH,
PETITIONER,
ve - CASE NO. 2008-00506
LOWELL ANTHONY ADKINS, M.D., | |
RESPONDENT,
ce
DMINIST I |
COMES NOW, Petitioner, Department of Health, by and through its
undersigned counsel, and files this Administrative Complaint before the
Board of Medicine against the Respondent, Lowell Anthony Adkins M.D.,
and in support thereof alleges: |
“1. Petitioner is the state department charged with regulating the
practice of medicine pursuant to Section 20.43, Florida seats Chapter
456, Florida Statutes; and Chapter 458, Florida Statutes.
2. At all times material to this Complaint, Respondent was a
licensed physician within the State of Florida, having been issued license
number ME 38661.
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3. The Respondent's address of record is 3135 W. Atlantic Bivd.
#14 and #15, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33069. |
4. The Respondent is not board certified in any American Medical
Board specialties,
5. On or about September 19, 2007, Patient J.D., a twenty- -three
(23) year-old male, presented to Respondent with complaints of pain from
juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) and pain in his knee.
6. On or about September 19, 2007, through on or about
February 11, 2008, Respondent prescribed oxycodone and carisoprodol for
treatment of Patient J.D/s baln,
7. Oxycodone is commonly prescribed to treat pain. Oxycodone is
a Schedule II controlled substance that has a high potential for abuse and
has a currently accepted but severely restricted medical use in treatment i in
the United States. Abuse of oxycodone may lead to severe psychological or
physical dependence. |
8. Carisprodol, commonly known by the brand name Soma, isa
muscle relaxant prescribed to treat muscular pain, According to Section
893.03(4), Florida Statutes, carisoprodol is a Schedule IV controlled
substance that has a low potential for abuse relative to the substances in
Schedule IIT and has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the
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United States. Abuse of carisoprodol may lead to limited physica or
psychological dependence relative to the substances in Schedule Il.
9. Rule 64B8-9.013(3)(a), Florida Administrative Code, provides
standards for the use of controlled substances for pain control, Those
standards require that a complete medical history and physical examination
be conducted and documented in the medical record, The mecca 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. controled
substance. |
10, On or about September 19, 2007, Respondent prescribe
oxycodone, 15mg, 60 tablets for Patient J.D. |
11, Respondent failed to keep medical records which legibly record
the rationale for prescribing oxycodone for Patient J.D. on or about
September 19, 2007. !
12, On or about October 19, 2007, Respondent prescribed
oxycodone, 30mg, 90 tablets for Patient J.D.
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13, Respondent failed to keep medical records which legibly record
the rationale for prescribing oxycodone for Patient J.D. on or about
October 19, 2007. |
14. On or about ‘November 16, 2007, Respondent ‘Prescribed
oxycodone, 30mg, 120 tablets for Patient J.D, |
15, Respondent failed to keep medical records which legibly record
the rationale for prescribing oxycodone for Patient J.D. on or about
November 16, 2007. |
16. On or about December 14, 2007, Respondent prescribed
oxycodone, 30mg, 120 tablets for Patient J.D. |
17, Respondent failed to keep medical records which legibly record
the rationale for prescribing oxycodone for Patient J.D, on or about
December 14, 2007, ,
18. On or. about _ October 19, 2007, Respondent prescribed
carisoprodol, 350mg, 60 tablets for Patient J.D.
19. Respondent failed to keep medical records which legibly record
the rationale for prescribing Carisoprodol for Patient J.D, on ot about
October 19, 2007. |
20. On or about October 31, 2007, Respondent prescribed
carisoprodol, 350mg, 60 tablets for Patient J.D.
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21. Respondent failed to keep medical records which legibly record
the rationale for prescribing carisoprodol for Patient J.D. on or about
October 31, 2007,
22. On or about November 26, 2007, Respondent prescribed
i |
carisoprodol, 350mg, 60 tablets for Patient J.D, |
23, Respondent failed to keep medical records which lei record
the rationale for prescribing carisoprodol for Patient J.D. on or about
November 26, 2007, :
24. On or about December 14, 2007, Respondent prescribed
carisoprodol, 350mg, 60 tablets for Patient J.D.
25. Respondent failed to keep medical records which lea record
the rationale for prescribing carisoprodol for Patient J.D. on or about
December 14, 2007.
26. On or about December 28, 2007, Respondent prescribed
carisoprodol, 350mg, 60 tablets for Patient J.D. |
27. Respondent flled to keep medical records which legibly record
the rationale for prescribing carisoprodol for Patient J.D, on or about
December 28, 2007. | |
28. On or about February 11, 2008, Respondent prescribed
carisoprodol, 350mg, 60 tablets for Patient J,D,
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29. Respondent failed to keep medical records which lei record
the rationale for prescribing carisoprodo| for Patient J.D, on or about
February 11, 2008, |
30. On or about December 14, 2007, T.R., Patient D's mother,
reported to Respondent that she had walk in on her son sorting the meds
Respondent was prescribing and that her son is addicted to those meds.
31. On or about December 14, 2007, T.R.,. Patient J, Dis mother,
reported to Respondent that Patient had been arrested for drugs and was
in a drug treatment program.
32. Respondent did not prescribe Patient 3.D. any non- steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) in an effort to manage J.D/s pain in his
knee or any other pain, |
33, On ‘er about September 19, 2007, through on or about
February 11, 2008, Patient J.D. was under the care of Respondent and
Respondent did not refer. ‘Patient to a 2 Rheumatologist, an Orthopedic
Specialist or to ar Addiction specialist. |
|
| COUNT. ONE |
34. Petitioner reallages and incorporates paragraphs ‘one (1)
through thirty-three (33) as if fully set forth herein.
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35. Section 458.331(1)(t), Florida Statutes (2007), subjects a
doctor to discipline. for committing medical malpractice as defined in
Section 456.50. Section 456.50, Florida Statutes (2007), defines medical
malpractice as the failure to practice medicine in accordance with the level
of care, skill, and treatment recognized in general law related to health
care licensure,
36. Level of care, skill, and treatment recognized -in general law
related to health care licensure means the standard of care specified in
Section 766.102. Section 766,102(1), Florida Statutes (2007), defines the
standard of care to mean“... The prevailing professional standard of
care for a given health care provider shall be that level of care, skill, and
treatment which, in light; of all relevant surrounding circumstances, is
recognized as acceptable and appropriate by reasonably prudent similar
health care providers. . . .” |
37, Respondent failed to meet the prevailing standard of care in
regard to Patient J.D. in one or more of the following ways:
a) by failing to refer Patient J.D. to a rheumatoid arthritis
‘Specialist and/or by failing to verify the complaints of pain from
juvenile rheumatoid arthritis with blood tests:
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b) _ by failing to refer Patient J.D. to a Psychiatric-addiction
specialist, especially after he was informed by Patient’s mother
that he was, allegedly, an addict; |
c) by failing 'to refer Patient J.D. to an orthopedic specialist
to have the pain in his knee evaluated; |
d) by prescribing excessive narcotics for Patient ID's
alleged pain condition prior to exploring the effectiveness of
other NSAIDs. |
38. Based on the foregoing, the Respondent has Violated Section
458,.331(1)(t), Florida Stattes (2007), by committing medica} malpractice
COUNT TWO |
39, Petitioner realleges and incorporates paragraphs one (1)
through thirty- three (33) S if fully set forth herein, |
40. Section 458.331(1)(a), Florida Statutes (2007, provides
prescribing, dispensing, administering, mixing, or otherwise preparing a
legend drug, including eny controle substance, other than in the course
of the physician's professional practice constitutes grounds for disciplinary
action by the Board of Medicine. For the purposes of this paragraph, it
shall be legally presumed that prescribing, dispensing, administering,
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[3
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mixing, or otherwise preparing legend drugs, including al controlled
substances, inappropriately or in excessive or inappropriate quanti is
not in the best interest of the patient and is not in the course of the
physician's professional practice, without regard to his or her av
41. Respondent prescribed, dispensed, administered,
otherwise prepared a legend drug, other than in the couse of his
professional practice, from on or about September 19, 2007, through on or
about February 11, 2008, in one or more of the following ways: — |
a) By prescribing, dispensing, or administering a legend
drug, to-wit: oxycodone, a controlled substance, to Patient J.D
in excessive amounts, for an alleged pain conten prior to
exploring the effectiveness of other NSAIDs; and/or |
b) By prescribing, dispensing, or administering a legend
drug, to-wit: oxycodone, a controlled substance to Patient J.D.
without recording the rationale or justification for the narcotics
he was prescribing for Patient J.D. !
42. Based on the foregoing, the Respondent has vate Section
458.331(1)(q), Florida Statutes (2007), by prescribing, di spensing,
administering, mixing, or otherwise preparing a legend drug, including any
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controlled substance, for Patient V.R. other than in the course of the
physician's professional practice
COUNT THREE
43. Petitioner realleges and incorporates paragraphs one a)
through thirty-three (33) as if fully set forth herein.
44. Section 458.331(1)(m), Florida Statutes (2007), provides that
failing to keep legible medical records that justify the course of treatment
| |
of the patient, including, but not limited to, patient histories; examination
results; test results: records of drugs prescribed, dispensed, or
administered; and reports of consultations and hospitalizations, constitutes
grounds for disciplinary action by the Board of Medicine, |
49. Respondent failed to keep legible medical records justifying the
course of treatment for Patient J. D. in one or more of the owing ways:
a) By falling to keep legible medical. records recording the
reasons for prescribing the aforementioned medications
for Patient D.: and/or
b) By failing to keep medical records which legibly recorded
the patient history, examination results, test results,
drugs prescribed, dispensed or administered for Patient
J.D.
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c) By fling t to keep medical records which justified the
course of treatment for Patient J.D. |
46. Based on the foregoing, the Respondent has violated Section
458.331(1)(m), Florida Statutes (2007), by falling to keep legible medical
records, that identify the censed physician or the physician extender and
supervising physician by. name and professional title who is or are
responsible for rendering, ordering, supervising, or bling for each
diagnostic or treatment procedure and that justify the course of treatment
of Patient V.R,
| COUNT FOUR
47, Petitioner realleges and incorporates paragraphs, one (1)
through thirty-three (33) as if fully set forth herein. |
48. Section 458, 331(1)(nn), Florida Statutes’ (2007), provides that
violating any provision of chapters 456 or 458, Florida Statutes, or any
rules adopted pursuant thereto, is grounds for discipline by the Board of
Medicine.
|
49. Respondent violated Rule 64B8-9.013(3)(a), FA. cy which
outlines the standards for prescribing controlled substances for pain control
in one or more of the following ways: |
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I
iF ”
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50.
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a) By prescriting, dispensing, or administering | controlled
substances for pai control, to- -wit: oxycodone and carisprodol,
to Patient J.D. without documenting 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 any history of
substance abuse; and/or |
b) By prescribing, dispensing, or administering controlled
substances for pain control, to-wit: oxycodone and carisprodol,
to Patient J.D, without documenting one or more recognized
medical indcatons for the use of a controlled substance,
Based on the forgoing, Respondent violated 458.331(1)(nn),
| Florida Statutes (2007), by violating any provision of chapters 456 or 458,
Florida Statutes, or any nies adopted pursuant thereto, spec ifically by
violating Rule 6488-9. 01303), FA.C,, by failing to. 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; and/or failing to
| :
document the presence of one or more recognized medical indications for
the use of a controlled substance.
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WHEREFORE, the Petitioner respectfully requests that the Board of
Medicine enter an order imposing one or more of the following penalties:
permanent revocation or Suspension of Respondent's license, rastriction of
practice, imposition of an administrative fine, issuance of a reprimand,
placement of the Respondent on probation, corrective action, refund of
fees billed or collected, remedial education and/or any other relief that. the
Board deems appropriate, |
"SIGNED this_<3//_ day of 7 gem Jun _, 2008.
Ana M. Viamonte Ros, M.D., M.P.H
State Surgeon General
DOH Prosecution Services Unit
FILED 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-65
DEPAOEPUTY CLEGK Tallahassee, FL 32399-3265
CLERK Rachel Brooky Florida Bar # 0115320
DATE 11-24-08 (850) 245-4640 ext. 8244 — phone
(850) 245-4681 — fax
PCP Date: Hfaifox
PCP Members: Zi “Bahe: and Beer son.
DOH v. LOWELL ANTHONY ADKINS, M.D., Case #2008-00506
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NOTICE OF RIGHTS
Respondent has the right to request: a hearing to be
conducted in accordance with Section 120,569 and 120.57,
Florida Statutes, to be represented by counsel or other qualified
representative, to present evidence and argument, to call and
cross-examine witnesses and to have subpoena and subpoena
duces tecum issued on his or her behalf if a hearing is requested.
NOTICE REGARDING ASSESSMENT OF COSTS
Respondent is placed on notice that Petitioner has incurred
costs related to the investigation and prosecution of this matter.
Pursuant to Section 456.072(4), Florida Statutes, the Board shall
assess costs related to the investigation and prosecution of a
disciplinary matter, which may include attorney hours and costs,
on the Respondent in addition to any other discipline imposed.
Docket for Case No: 09-004830PL
Issue Date |
Proceedings |
Jan. 05, 2011 |
Motion to Re-Open Case filed. (DOAH CASE NO. 11-0052PL ESTABLISHED)
|
Jan. 21, 2010 |
Transmittal letter from Claudia Llado forwarding the supplemental report of Dr. Friedman, the deposition transcript and exhibits of Tina Reed, the depositoin transcript and exhibits of Dr. James F. Schaus, and the depositoin transcript and exhibits of Lowell Anthony Adkins, M.D., to the agency.
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Jan. 21, 2010 |
Order Closing File. CASE CLOSED.
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Jan. 21, 2010 |
Motion to Relinquish Jurisdiction filed.
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Jan. 07, 2010 |
Deposition of Robert J. Firiedman, M.D. filed.
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Jan. 07, 2010 |
Notice of Filing (depostion and exhibits of Dr. Friedman).
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Jan. 07, 2010 |
Deposition of Lowell Anthony Adkins ,M.D. filed.
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Jan. 07, 2010 |
Notice of Filing (deposition, transcript and exhibits of Lowell Anthony Adkins, M.D.) (attachments not available for viewing) .
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Dec. 18, 2009 |
Notice of Filing (of Deposition of J. Schaus) filed.
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Dec. 18, 2009 |
Notice of Filing (of Deposition of T. Reed) filed.
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Dec. 11, 2009 |
Notice of Filing (deposition transcript and exhibits of Dr. J. Schaus not attached) filed.
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Nov. 19, 2009 |
Notice of Filing (of supplemental report of Dr. Friedman) (Supplemental Report not available for viewing) filed.
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Nov. 12, 2009 |
Order Granting Continuance and Re-scheduling Hearing (hearing set for January 27 and 28, 2010; 9:30 a.m.; Fort Lauderdale, FL).
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Nov. 10, 2009 |
Joint Motion for Continuance filed.
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Nov. 06, 2009 |
Order Granting Motion for Extension of Time.
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Nov. 06, 2009 |
Respondent's Amended Fact and Expert Witness List filed.
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Nov. 02, 2009 |
Motion for Extension of Time to File Prehearing Stipulation filed.
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Nov. 02, 2009 |
Respondent's Fact and Expert Witness List filed.
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Oct. 28, 2009 |
Notice of Taking Deposition Duces Tecum (of R. Friedman, M.D.) filed.
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Oct. 27, 2009 |
Notice of Serving Petitioner's Response to Request for Production filed.
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Oct. 26, 2009 |
Notice of Filing (deposition transcript and exhibits of J. Dicandia not attached) filed.
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Oct. 02, 2009 |
Notice of Withdrawal as Co-Counsel filed.
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Sep. 23, 2009 |
Notice of Taking Deposition Duces Tecum filed.
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Sep. 21, 2009 |
Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
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Sep. 21, 2009 |
Notice of Hearing (hearing set for November 17 and 18, 2009; 9:30 a.m.; Fort Lauderdale, FL).
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Sep. 15, 2009 |
Notice of Serving Petitioner's First Request for Production, First Request for Interrogatories and First Request for Admissions to Respondent filed.
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Sep. 14, 2009 |
Joint Response to Initial Order filed.
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Sep. 08, 2009 |
Initial Order.
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Feb. 12, 2009 |
Election of Rights filed.
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Feb. 12, 2009 |
Administrative Complaint filed.
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Feb. 12, 2009 |
Agency referral filed.
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