Philadelphia Pharmacist License Defense Lawyers
If you work in a pharmacy, you know that there is a lot of pressure when it comes to abiding by all of the rules and regulations associated with filling and selling prescriptions. At times, the intense pressure from working or from customers, including family and friends, can make you do things that you normally wouldn’t do that could cause you to be investigated or lose your license to work in a pharmacy. In the event that you have been charged with any kind of act that involves pharmacy fraud, then you need to seek the assistance of an attorney. The attorney can help you understand your rights while being there as a guide who can let you know what could happen throughout the investigation. The attorney can also help in getting a sentence reduced or charges dropped if you can prove that you had nothing to do with the fraud or charges that have taken place. An attorney will look over the case to take decisive action that could save your license so that you can continue to provide the medications and other treatment options that your customers need.
Why Would You Need an Attorney as a Pharmacist
Prescription Fraud
Prescription fraud is one of the common reasons as to why a pharmacist might need an attorney. The worker might fill a prescription with a generic while charging for a name brand medication. Sometimes, the worker might charge an insurance company for a high-priced drug and give one that is similar but costs less for the pharmacy, pocketing the extra money that is made from the sale. Another way that prescriptions are used to make money is when the pharmacist will fill a prescription for a family member or friend and get a certain amount of money for the drugs that are sold. The worker could also write fake prescriptions in order to make money for the pharmacy or himself.
Insurance Fraud
Sometimes, a pharmacist might write prescriptions that aren’t even necessary for a customer. The customer might think that a doctor called in a certain medication but come to find out that there is only one or two medications that have been prescribed. This goes toward insurance fraud as well as other types of fraud that would mean more money for the pharmacist but would also mean that the business could lose its license to fill medications. If the pharmacist fills prescriptions that are known to be forged or forges prescriptions privately, then this is grounds for losing a license as well. The worker might tell customers how to get more medications. One way that this is done is to tell customers to use multiple names. The worker might give a customer names of those who have recently had prescriptions filled who are waiting on them so that they can purchase them instead. The pharmacist would then refill the same medication, charging the insurance company twice instead of once. Some pharmacies will sell medications and items to other pharmacies that might not have access to them or that might be out at the time. The pharmacist would get the money from the sale without many people knowing that it took place.
Summary
If criminal charges are filed, then there is a possibility that they could lead to a federal investigation depending on the severity of what has taken place. An attorney can help you understand that even with charges being dropped or reduced, there is still a chance that your license could be suspended or revoked. An attorney will do everything possible to show that you should be able to keep your license after the charges have been dismissed or after the case has been closed.
FAQ: Philadelphia Pharmacist License Defense Lawyers
1) Why would a pharmacist need a license defense lawyer?
A pharmacist may need a license defense lawyer if they are accused of pharmacy fraud or actions that could lead to an investigation, suspension, or loss of their pharmacy license. An attorney can help explain your rights, guide you through the investigation, and work to protect your ability to keep working.
2) What happens if a pharmacist is investigated for fraud?
If a pharmacist is investigated for fraud, the case may involve criminal charges, licensing consequences, and possibly a federal investigation depending on how serious the allegations are. Even if charges are reduced or dismissed, the pharmacist may still face license suspension or revocation.
3) What is prescription fraud in a pharmacy?
Prescription fraud can include actions such as:
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Filling a prescription with a generic medication while charging for a name-brand drug
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Billing insurance for a high-priced medication but providing a cheaper alternative
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Pocketing the difference between what was billed and what was dispensed
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Filling prescriptions for friends or family in exchange for money
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Writing fake prescriptions for profit
4) Can a pharmacist lose their license for prescription fraud?
Yes. Prescription fraud can lead to serious consequences, including a pharmacist losing their license to work in a pharmacy.
5) What is insurance fraud in pharmacy cases?
Insurance fraud may involve improper billing or unnecessary prescriptions. Examples include:
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Filling prescriptions that are not necessary
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Charging insurance for medications that were not actually prescribed
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Charging insurance for the same medication multiple times
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Assisting customers in getting more medications through improper methods
6) Can a pharmacist lose their license for filling forged prescriptions?
Yes. Filling prescriptions that are known to be forged, or forging prescriptions privately, can be grounds for losing a pharmacist license.
7) What are examples of improper actions that can trigger a pharmacy fraud investigation?
Examples mentioned in the content include:
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Encouraging customers to use multiple names to obtain more medication
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Selling medications to other pharmacies without proper oversight
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Giving customers prescription names belonging to others and refilling medications improperly
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Billing insurance twice instead of once for the same medication
8) Can criminal pharmacy fraud charges become a federal case?
Yes. If criminal charges are filed, the case could lead to a federal investigation depending on the severity of what happened.
9) If charges are dropped, can a pharmacist still lose their license?
Yes. Even if charges are dropped or reduced, there may still be licensing consequences, including suspension or revocation.
10) How can a Philadelphia Pharmacist License Defense Lawyer help?
A pharmacist license defense lawyer can:
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Help you understand your rights
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Guide you through an investigation
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Review the allegations and evidence
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Work to reduce a sentence or get charges dropped
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Fight to protect your license from suspension or revocation
11) Why is it important to act quickly if you’re accused of pharmacy fraud?
Because pharmacy fraud accusations can affect both your freedom and your career. Getting legal help early can improve your chances of protecting your license and defending yourself properly.
12) Can a lawyer help protect a pharmacy’s ability to operate?
Yes. Pharmacy fraud allegations can impact not only the pharmacist, but also the business. An attorney may help address the case to reduce damage and help protect licensing status.
October 27, 2020 
Professional License Defense 