West Springfield, MA asked in Medical Malpractice for Massachusetts

Q: psychiatrist prescribing addicts with deadly consequences legal?

Hello,

My name is Ashley.... I was just curious if a psychiatrist prescribing a known addict his drug of choice, without following the typical protocol to prevent his relapse... Is there any liability if the user dies from overdose?

She knowingly prescribed the drug, and refilled it ealier and ealier each month. And these drugs shouldnt be long term without careful monitoring, there was no monitoring, and it was long term. If she continues prescribing after being told about what is happening, is she at fault if he overdosed?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
Answered
  • Medical Malpractice Lawyer
  • Wyomissing, PA
  • Licensed in Massachusetts

A: A violation of standards, ethics.A criminal act? Unlikely. Malpractice--yes, but extremely tough to prove. There are patient advocate organizations. Get dates, dosages, name of drug and run it by someone.

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