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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, BOARD OF MEDICINE vs DOUGLAS SMITH, M.D., 08-004975PL (2008)

Court: Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 08-004975PL Visitors: 15
Petitioner: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, BOARD OF MEDICINE
Respondent: DOUGLAS SMITH, M.D.
Judges: LARRY J. SARTIN
Agency: Department of Health
Locations: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Filed: Oct. 07, 2008
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Tuesday, January 27, 2009.

Latest Update: Jul. 05, 2024
4 . HRL Pe he om i: STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH i DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, PETITIONER, v. CASE NO. 2006-28876 DOUGLAS SMITH, M.D. | RESPONDENT. ae ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT i . : COMES NOW, Petitioner, Department of Health, by and through its undersigned counsel, and files this Administrative Complaint before the Board of Medicine against Respondent, Douglas Smith, 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 Statutes; Chapter 456, via 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 62450. 60 ‘d . gp tOl 800¢ £ 490 os:TT 800¢ 4 450 pty ‘al ~ 3, Respondent's address of record is 1010 Bucida Road, Delray Beach, Florida 33483. 4. | On or about November 29, 2005, Patient J.S., a forty-nine (49) year old male, presented to Respondent complaining of back pain. 5. | Respondent prescribed Oxycontin 40 mg every 12 hours (60 tablets) and Roxicodone 30 mg every 4 hours (150 tablets), 6. | Oxycontin is a semi-synthetic opiate that contains oxycodone hydrochloride, a Schedule II controlled substance defined in Chapter 893, Florida Statutes, which is indicated for the relief of moderate to severe » pain, Oxycontin has a high potential for abuse and has a currently accepted, but limited, medical use in treatment in the United States, Abuse of this substance may lead to severe physical and psychological dependence. 7. | Roxicodone contains oxycodone hydrochloride. 8. | Oxycodone hydrochloride, a semi-synthetic narcotic analgesic, is a Schedule II controlled substance under Chapter 893, Florida Statutes. It is indicated for relief of moderate to moderately severe pain. It has a high potential for abuse and has a currently accepted, but limited, medical DOH v. Douglas R. Smith, M.0., Case No, 2006-28876 2 | pOd gol B00¢ é 490 os:TT 800¢ 4 450 use in treatment in the United States, and abuse of the substance may lead to severe physical and psychological dependence. 9. Oxycontin ‘on or about December 21, 2005, Respondent prescribed 80 mg every 12 hours (60 tablets) and Roxicodone 30 mg every 4 hours (150) tablets) for J.S. 10. Oxycontin | ‘On or about January 11, 2006, Respondent prescribed 80 mg every 12 hours (60 tablets) and Roxicodone 30 mg. every 1-4 hours as needed (150 tablets) for 3.5. 11. Oxycontin 12. On or about February 6, 2006, Respondent prescribed 80 mg every 12 hours (60 tablets) for JS. On or about March 1, 2006, Respondent prescribed Roxicodone 30 mg every 4 hours (150 tablets) for J.S. , 13. On or about April 19, 2006, Respondent prescribed the following medications for J.S.: tablets); a. Oxycontin 80 mg, 2 every 12 hours (120 tablets); ‘b. Roxicodone 30 mg 1-2 every 4 hours as needed (200 ic. a Duragesic patch (1 every 72 hours). DOH vy. Douglas R. Smith, M.D., Case No, 2006-28876 3 i 90d éptol 800¢ é 490 os:TT 800¢ 4 450 tt . ain a 14. A Duragesic patch is applied to the skin so that the medication it contains is slowly absorbed. 15, | Duragesic. patches contain Fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, under Chapter 893, Florida Statutes. Fentanyl is an opioid indicated in the management of chronic pain in patients. It has a high potential for abuse and has a currently accepted but severely restricted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse of Fentanyl may lead to severe physical and psychological dependence, , 16. | Respondent's medical records for 1.5. for April 19, 2006 do not document| justification for the addition of the Duragesic patch to J.S’ medication regimen, 17. | On or about May 17, 2006, Respondent prescribed the following medications for J.S.: /a. Oxycontin 80 mg, 2 every 12 hours (120 tablets); | b. Roxicodone 30 mg 1-2 every 4 hours as needed (300 tablets); -c.. Duragesic patch 100 mcg/hr, 1 patch every 2 days (15 | patches). DOH v. Douglas R. Smith, M.D. Case No. 2006-28876 4 | ! 90°d fp ok 800e & 490 os:TT 800¢ 4 450 ns nq 4 18. | On or about June 13, 2006, Respondent prescribed the | following medications for J.S.: ! a. Oxycontin 80 mg, 2 every 12 hours (120 tablets); | b. Roxicodone 30 mg, 1-2 every 4 hours as needed (100 _¢. Duragesic patch 100 mcg/hr, 1 patch every 2 days (15 patches), 19. | Respondent continued to prescribe the same combination ‘of medications as described above in paragraph 17 on July 11, 2006, August - 8, 2006, September 6, 2006, October 5, 2006 and November 2, 2006. 20. | Respondent did not conduct or did not document conducting a physical examination of J.S. on August 8, 2006, September 6, 2006 or - October 5 2006. 21. _ Respondent failed to coordinate his care of 1.5. with J.S_ other physicians including his primary care physician. 22. | Respondent failed to monitor J.S. with urine drug screens. 23, | Respondent's medical records for 3.5. do not document justification for prescribing Oxycontin and Roxicodone simultaneously. DOH v. Douglas R. Smith, M.D., Case ‘No. 2006-28876 5 é0‘d éptol 800¢ é 490 TS:TT 8002 2 450 a 24. | Respondent’s medical records for J.S. do not document justification for prescribing Oxycontin, Roxicodone and the Duragesic patch simultaneously, 25. | Respondent's medical records for J.S. do not document justification for changes in medications or changes in dosages of the medications. COUNT ONE 26. | Petitioner realleges and incorporates paragraphs one (1) through twenty-five (25) as if fully set forth herein. 27. Section 458.331(1)(t), Florida Statutes (2005-2006) provides that the failure to practice medicine with that level of care, skill, and. treatment which is recognized by a reasonably prudent similar physician as being acceptable under similar conditions and circumstances is grounds for disciplinary action by the Board of Medicine. 28, Rule 64B8-9.013(3), Florida Administrative Code (FAC), which is part of the chapter of the FAC where the Board of Medicine establishes standards of care for physicians, provides in relevant part: 64B8 “9.013 Standard for the Use of Controlled Substances for the Treatment of Pain. _ (1) Pain Management principles, | DOH v, Douglas R, Smith, M.D., Case No, 2006-28876 6 80 ‘d . éptol 800¢ é 490 TS:TT 8002 2 450 lat on (a) The Board of Medicine recognizes that principles of quality medical practice dictate that the people of the State of Florida have access to appropriate and effective pain relief. The appropriate application of up-to-date knowledge and treatment modalities can serve to improve the quality of life for those patients who suffer from pain as well as: reduce the morbidity and costs associated with untreated or inappropriately treated pain. The Board encourages physicians to. vidw effective pain management as. part of quality medi cal practice for all patients with pain, acute or chronic, and it is especially important for patients. who experience pain as a result of term nal illness. All physicians should become knowledgeable about requirements for prescribing controlled substances. * * * (c) The Board recognizes that controlled substances, including opioid analgesics, may be essential in the treatment of acute pain ‘due to trauma or surgery and chronic pain, whether due to cancer or non-cancer origins. The medical management of pain including intractable pain should be based en current — knowledge and: research and includes the use of both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic modalities, Pain should be assessed and treated promptly, and the quantity and frequency of doses should be adjusted according to the interisity and duration of the pain, Physicians should recognize that tolerance: and physical dependence are normal consequences of;sustained use of opioid analgesics and are not synonymous with addiction. — (d) The Board of Medicine is obligated under the laws of the State of Florida ‘to protect the public health and safety. The Board recognizes that inappropriate prescribing of controlled. substances, including opioid analgesics, may lead to drug diversion and abuse by individuals who seek them for other than| legitimate medical use. Physicians should be diligent in preventing the diversion of drugs for illegitimate purposes. (e) The Board will consider prescribing, ordering, administering, or dispensing controlled substances for pain to be for a legitimate medical purpose if based on accepted DOH v, Douglas R. Smith, M.D., Cese No, 2006-28876 60d BOL B800e é 490 TS:TT 8002 2 450 ee methods of pain treatment: as well as statutory ree ‘| ie ae, 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. (f) Each case of prescribing for pain will be evaluated on an individual basis, The Board will not take disciplinary action against a physician for failing to adhere strictly to the provisions of these standards, if good cause is shown for such deviation. The physician’s conduct will be evaluated to a great extent by the treatment outcome, taking into account whether the drug used is medically and/or pharmacologically recognized to be appropriate for the diagnosis, the patient’s individual needs including any improvement in functioning, and recognizing that some types of pain cannot be completely relieved. (g) The Board will judge the validity of prescribing based on the physician’s treatment of the patient and on available documentation, rather than on the quaritity and chronicity of prescribing. The goal is to control the patient’s pain for its duration while effectively addressing other aspects of the patiént’s functioning, including physical, psychological, social, . and work-related factors. The following standards are not intended to define complete or best practice, but rather to communicate what the Board considers to be within the boundaries of professional practice. | 3 * * (3) Standards. The Board has adopted the following standards for the use of controlled substances for pain control: (a) Evaluation of the Patient, 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 i ' | DOH v. Douglas R, Smith, M.D., Case No. 2006-28876 Ol‘d BOL B800e é 490 TS:TT 8002 2 450 document the presence of one or more recognized medical indications for the use of a controlled substance. (b) Treatment Plan. The written treatment plan should state objectives that will be used to determine treatment success, such as pain relief and improved physical and psychosocial function, and should indicate if any further diagnostic evaluations or other treatments are planned. After treatment begins, the physician should adjust drug therapy to the individual medical needs of each patient. Other treatment | modalities or a rehabilitation program may be. necessary depending on the etiology of the pain and the extent to which the pain is associated with physical and psychosocial impairment. (c) Informed Consent and Agreement for Treatment.. The physician should discuss the risks and benefits of the use of controlled substances with the patient, persons designated by the patient, or with the patient’s Surrogate or guardian if the patient is incompetent. The patient should receive prescriptions from one physician and one pharmacy where possible. If the patient is determined to be at high risk for medication abuse or havea history of substance abuse, the physician should employ the use of a written agreement between physician and patient outlining patient responsibilities, including, but not limited to: 1, Urine/serum medication levels screening when requested; _ 2. NUmber and frequency of all prescription refills; and 3. Reasons for which drug therapy may be discontinued (i.e, violation of agreement). (d) Periodic Review. At reasonable intervals based on the individual circumstances of the patient, the physician shoutd review the course of treatment and any new information about the etiology of the pain, Continuation or modification of therapy should depend on the physician’s evaluation of the patients progress. If treatment goals are not being achieved, despite medication adjustments, the physician should reevaluate. the appropriateness of continued treatment. The physician should monitor patient compliance in medication usage and related treatment plans. ii DOH v. Douglas R, Smith, M.D., Case No. 2006-28876 if Lhd BRO 8008 é 490 eo:ll 800¢ 4 450 i y ” ~ (e) Consultation. The physician should be willing to refer the patient as necessary for additional evaluation and treatment in order to achieve treatment objectives. Special attention should be given to those pain patients who are at risk for misusing their medications and those whose living arrangements pose a risk for medication misuse or diversion. The management of pain in patients with a history of substance abuse or with a comorbid psychiatric disorder requires extra care, monitoring, and | documentation, and may require’ consultation with. or referral to an expert in the management of such patients. (f) Medical Records. The physician is required to keep accurate and complete records to include, but not be limited to: 1. The medical history and physical examination, including history of drug abuse or dependence, as appropriate; 2. Diagnostic, therapeutic, and laboratory results; 3, Evaluations and consultations; reatment objectives; scussion of risks and benefits; eatments; 7, Medications (including date, type, dosage, and quantity prescribed); 8, Instructions and agreements; and 9. Periodic reviews. Records must: remain current and be maintained in an accessible manner and readily available for review. (g) Compliance with Controlled Substances Laws and Regulations. To ‘prescribe, dispense, or administer controlled substances, the physician must be licensed in the state and comply with applicable federal and state regulations. Physicians are referred to the Physicians Manual: An Informational Outline of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, published by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, for specific rules governing controlled substances as well as applicable state regulations. a | 4. 5. 6. avg 29, skill, and Respondent failed to practice medicine with that level of care, treatment which is recognized by a reasonably prudent similar DOH v, Douglas R. Sinith, M.D., Case No. 2006-28876 10 él‘d Bred B800e é +90 eo:ll 800¢ 4 450 m~ physician as being acceptable under similar conditions and circumstances in one or poe of the following ways: a. By . prescribing Oxycontin and Duragesic patch simultaneously for 1.S. without justification; ] b, By prescribing Oxycontin, Duragesic patch and Roxicodone simultaneously for patient J.S. without justification; | c. By failing to comply with Rule 64B8-9.013(3)(a), Florida Administrative Code, which provides that a complete medical history and physical examination must be conducted and documented in the | medical record. 30. Based on: the foregoing, Respondent has violated Section 458.331(1)(t), Florida: Statutes (2005-2006), by failing to practice medicine with that) level of care, skill, and treatment which is. recognized. by a reasonably prudent similar physician as being acceptable under similar conditions and circumstances. i . COUNT TWO 31, Petitioner: realleges and incorporates paragraphs one (1) through twenty-five (25) as if fully set forth in this count. DOH +. Douglas: R, Smith, M.D., Case No. 2006-28876 ll Bld Bred B800e é +90 eo:ll 800¢ 4 450 32, | Section 458,331(1)(q), Florida Statutes (2005-2006), provides that prescribing, dispensing, administering, mixing, or otherwise preparing a legend drug, including any controlled 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, mixing, or otherwise preparing legend drugs, including all controlled substances, inappropriately or in excessive or inappropriate quantities 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 intent, 33. | Respondent inappropriately prescribed controlled substances to 1,.S. other than in the course of his professional practice by prescribing without. any documented - justification for the ‘medications, changes in medications or changes in dosages of the medications. 34, Based on the foregoing, Respondent has violated Section 458.331(1)(q), Florida Statutes (2005-2006), by prescribing, dispensing, administering, mixing, or otherwise preparing a legend drug, including any controlled | substance, other than in the course of the physician's I professional practice. For the purposes of this paragraph, it shall be legally i : DOH v. Douglas R. Smith, M.D., Case No, 2006-28876 12 ' tl od . Bred B800e é +90 So:TT 800¢ 4 450 | presumed preparing iE OG , A : om that prescribing, dispensing, administering, mixing, or otherwise legend drugs, including all controlled substances, inappropriately or in excessive or inappropriate quantities 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 intent. 35. COUNT THREE Petitioner realleges and incorporates paragraphs one (1) through twenty-five (25) as if fully set forth in this count, 36. Section 458.331(1)(m), Florida Statutes (2005-2006), provides that failing to keep legible, as defined by department rule in consultation with the board, medical records that identify the licensed physician or the physician title who extender and supervising physician by name and professional is or are responsible for rendering, ordering, supervising; or billing for each diagnostic or treatment procedure and that justify the course of | histories; dispensed treatment of the patient, including, but not limited to, patient examination results; test results: records of drugs prescribed, or administered; and reports of consultations and hospitalizations constitutes grounds for disciplinary action by the Board of Medicine. | DOH v. Douglas R. Smith, M.D., Case No. 2006-28876 13 Sled BR Ol B00e & 490 So:TT 800¢ 4 450 an) my a 37. Respondent: failed to keep medical records that justify the course of tpatment: of J. S, in one or more of the following ways: a. By fling to document the justification for prescribing Oxycontin and Duragesic patch in the dosages and circumstances that he did; b. By failing to document the justification for prescribing. Oxycontin, Duragesic patch and Roxicodone in the dosages and circumstances that he did; c. By failing to document a complete medical history or complete physical examination. 38. | Based on the foregoing, Respondent has violated Section 458.331(1)(m), Florida Statutes (2005-2006), by failing to keep 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. 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, restriction of DOH v, Douglas R. Smith, M:D., Case No. 2006-28876 14 gL ‘d O50 800¢ é +90 So:ilTl 800¢ 4 450 er 2 an 4 ~ 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 7°" day of _ Z7e+e4 , 2008. Ana M. Viamonte Ros, M.D., M.P.H. State Surgeon General Assistant General Counsel DOH-Prosecution Services Unit 4052 Bald Cypress Way-Bin C-65 {5 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3265 Florida Bar # 0544825 (850) 245-4640 (850) 245-4680 fax PCP: February 29, 2008 Panel: Dr, El-Bahri, Dr. Davies, Ms. Long DOH v. Douglas R. Smith, M.D., Case No, 2006-28876 15 él‘d O50 800¢ é +90 So:ilTl 800¢ 4 450 ie ut ra an 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 issyed 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. DOH v. Douglas R. Smith, M.D., Case No, 2006-28876 i : Bld O50 s800¢ é 490 FSITT 800¢ 4 450

Docket for Case No: 08-004975PL
Issue Date Proceedings
Jan. 27, 2009 Order Closing File. CASE CLOSED.
Jan. 27, 2009 Motion to Relinquish Jurisdiction filed.
Jan. 22, 2009 Joint Motion for Extension of Time to Comply with Order Directing Filing of Exhibits filed.
Jan. 15, 2009 Amended Administrative Complaint filed.
Jan. 15, 2009 Notice of Filing Amended Administrative Complaint filed.
Jan. 15, 2009 Notice of Taking Deposition (of M. Gerber) filed.
Jan. 14, 2009 Order Granting Unopposed Motion for Leave to Amend Administrative Complaint.
Jan. 12, 2009 Unopposed Motion for Leave to Amend Administrative Complaint filed.
Dec. 01, 2008 Respondent`s Response to Petitioner`s Request for Admissions filed.
Nov. 25, 2008 Order Granting Continuance and Re-scheduling Hearing (hearing set for January 27 and 28, 2009; 9:00 a.m.; Fort Lauderdale, FL).
Nov. 24, 2008 Unopposed Motion for Continuance filed.
Nov. 24, 2008 Respondent`s Response to Petitioner`s Request for Production filed.
Nov. 24, 2008 Respondent`s Response to Petitioner`s Interrogatories filed.
Nov. 17, 2008 Order Directing Filing of Exhibits
Oct. 20, 2008 Notice of Appearance of Co-counsel (filed by D. Kiesling).
Oct. 16, 2008 Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
Oct. 16, 2008 Notice of Hearing by Video Teleconference (hearing set for December 29 and 30, 2008; 9:30 a.m.; Lauderdale Lakes and Tallahassee, FL).
Oct. 15, 2008 Notice of Substitution of Counsel filed.
Oct. 14, 2008 Joint Response to Initial Order filed.
Oct. 08, 2008 Petitioner`s Notice of Serving on Respondent Petitioner`s First Request for Production, Petitioner`s First Set of Interrogatories, and Petitioner`s First Request for Admissions filed.
Oct. 07, 2008 Initial Order.
Oct. 07, 2008 Election of Rights filed.
Oct. 07, 2008 Administrative Complaint filed.
Oct. 07, 2008 Agency referral filed.
Source:  Florida - Division of Administrative Hearings

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