3 ms·
Why is Garland quoted talking about "profit from the unlawful distribution of controlled substances" when the vast majority of the fraud here had nothing to do
by loeg 2y ago
Why is Garland quoted talking about "profit from the unlawful distribution of controlled substances" when the vast majority of the fraud here had nothing to do with controlled substances? The quote is definitely missing context but it seems inappropriate inserted here.
Edit: Ok, found the actual statement[0]. Indeed AP just pulled this quote completely out of context:
> The fourth pillar of our strategy is ensuring that we keep pace with constantly evolving health care fraud schemes. That includes addressing the rise of schemes that exploit telemedicine technology — specifically as it relates to Adderall and other stimulants.
> Utilizing proactive data analytics, we identified misuse of telemedicine as a possible source of an increase in prescriptions for stimulants. Thereafter, we worked with law enforcement officers to identify potential schemes. Our investigation led us to a digital health care company called Done.
> Earlier this month, we charged and arrested the former CEO and the clinical president of Done for their respective roles in a $100 million scheme to defraud taxpayers and provide easy access to Adderall and other stimulants for no legitimate medical purpose.
> Today, we are also announcing that we have charged an additional five defendants for their alleged involvement in that scheme to distribute more than [40 million] medically unnecessary pills.
> One of the defendants, who was among the company's largest prescribers, was indicted for rubber stamping prescriptions without any medical review. As alleged, the defendant also signed prescriptions for patients who were deceased.
> I want to be clear: it does not matter if you are a trafficker in a drug cartel or a corporate executive or medical professional employed by a health care company. If you profit from the unlawful distribution of controlled substances, you will be held accountable.
So, yeah, Garland is talking about adderall prescriptions. Whereas AP sandwiched the quote between discussion of the (unrelated) Arizona woundcare fraud. Frankly this AP article is a really poor summary of the original DOJ statement and if I were dang I'd update the link to go directly to the DOJ.
[0]: https://www.justice.gov/opa/speech/attorney-general-merrick-b-garland-delivers-remarks-national-health-care-fraud-0 https://www.justice.gov/opa/speech/attorney-general-merrick-...