PHILADELPHIA, PA — Dr. David L. Mattingly, an osteopathic physician in Philadelphia, has agreed to a $72,000 settlement with the United States over allegations of improper opioid prescriptions. As part of the settlement, Dr. Mattingly will also face a permanent ban on prescribing almost all controlled substances, including oxycodone.
Federal authorities accused Dr. Mattingly of violating the Controlled Substances Act by prescribing opioids without valid medical reasons from February 2015 to September 2018. The law requires doctors to prescribe controlled substances only for legitimate medical purposes and in the usual course of their professional practice.
The investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) revealed that Dr. Mattingly failed to meet these standards for several patients. The settlement resolves these allegations but does not determine liability.
U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero emphasized the importance of doctors adhering to their responsibilities when prescribing opioids. “Doctors like Mattingly have a responsibility to their patients and the community when they prescribe controlled substances, particularly opioids like oxycodone,” she said. “It is critical that physicians uphold that responsibility and focus on the safety and well-being of their patients. When they do not and they violate the law by illegally prescribing controlled substances like oxycodone, my office will not hesitate to hold them accountable.”
DEA Special Agent Thomas Hodnett highlighted the dual standards doctors must satisfy when prescribing these powerful painkillers. “Doctors are required to satisfy a two-prong standard when prescribing controlled substances; the first of which is that the prescription be issued for a legitimate medical purpose and the second being that it is done in the usual course of professional practice,” he said.
As part of the resolution, Dr. Mattingly has also entered into an administrative agreement with the DEA, which includes additional compliance measures such as continuing education courses.
The case was investigated by the DEA’s Philadelphia Field Division, and the civil investigation and settlement were managed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony D. Scicchitano, Investigator Jeffrey Braun, and Auditor Dawn Wiggins.
The settlement agreement represents allegations only, with no formal determination of liability.
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