A Stockton nurse practitioner has agreed to pay $1.4 million to resolve federal allegations that she unlawfully prescribed controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose, the U.S. Department of Justice announced last week.
Joan Rubinger allegedly violated the Controlled Substances Act at least 900 times by issuing prescriptions for controlled medications outside the usual course of professional practice, according to prosecutors.
Federal authorities said Rubinger sold prescriptions to individuals who were not legitimate patients, had no established provider relationship with her, or lacked any documented medical need.
“We remain unwavering in our commitment to hold health care providers accountable when they violate their duty to properly prescribe controlled substances,” U.S. Attorney Eric Grant said in a statement.
The case is part of broader federal efforts to combat the illegal distribution of prescription drugs. Bob P. Beris, special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s San Francisco Field Division, emphasized that dispensing controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose is illegal and will be prosecuted.
As part of the civil settlement, a federal court issued a permanent injunction on March 26 prohibiting Rubinger from prescribing, dispensing or otherwise participating in the distribution of controlled substances. The order also bars her from owning or working for any business that dispenses such medications.
The settlement resolves civil allegations only. No criminal charges against Rubinger were announced.