The Department of Justice formed an Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit to identify physicians and pharmacists illegally distributing opioids, according to remarks made by Attorney General Jeff Sessions at the Columbus (Ohio) Police Academy Wednesday.
The pilot program is set to launch in 12 districts in states hard hit by the opioid epidemic. In addition to using data analytics to identify and prosecute illegal prescribers, the program will assign an experienced DOJ attorney to each district for the sole purpose of investigating and prosecuting fraudulent opioid prescribing, often referred to as "pill mill" schemes.
"These prosecutors, working with FBI, DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), HHS, as well as our state and local partners, will help us target and prosecute these doctors, pharmacies and medical providers who are furthering this epidemic to line their pockets," said Mr. Sessions. "These prosecutors will be based in several states across the country, including Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee and right here in Southern Ohio."
To learn more about the program, click here.
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