Allegations of pharmacy fraud can put pharmacists, technicians and billing specialists at risk of criminal prosecution or licensing penalties. Many times, pharmaceutical fraud involves obviously dishonest conduct, such as billing for a brand-name prescription and then providing a patient with a generic alternative or billing for a prescription never filled.
However, sometimes pharmacists and the professionals supporting them face fraud allegations for other, less malicious conduct. An arrangement with a local physician or medical company to offer certain rewards for sending new patients with prescriptions could constitute fraud as well.
Kickbacks are largely illegal
A kickback scheme involves an arrangement where one party shares a portion of their profits or revenue with another in return for new referrals. Kickbacks can undermine the medical system by impacting patient trust and care standards. Those who know they received something of value, whether it is a cash kickback or some other kind of benefit, may make medical recommendations based on their own benefit rather than what is best for their patients.
Attempts to reform the medical sector have all but eliminated legal kickbacks. If investigators or regulatory agencies learn that a pharmacist offered some kind of incentive to medical providers for recommending their facility to patients, the professionals involved could be at risk of criminal prosecution. Any conduct that raises questions about adherence to professional standards or concerns about billing activities could potentially lead to white-collar charges for those working at pharmacies.
Professionals facing pharmacy fraud charges and similar criminal allegations may need help responding to avoid a conviction. Mounting an assertive criminal defense strategy can reduce the likelihood of allegations costing a professional their license or permanently damaging their reputation.
