Sanjay Mehta, DO, a physician of Shady Spring, W.Va., pleaded guilty to three counts of aiding and abetting obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.
Dr. Mehta worked at HOPE Clinics in West Virginia from November 2012 through May 2015. Dr. Mehta admitted to writing prescriptions for three clinic customers with no legitimate medical purpose, including prescriptions for oxycodone, methadone and Roxicodone, according to a July 11 news release from the Justice Department.
When he was recruited to work at HOPE Clinic, Dr. Mehta had no training in prescribing Schedule II narcotics for the treatment of chronic pain. Two of the three individuals who were prescribed drugs from Dr. Mehta died within days of receiving their prescriptions.
Dr. Mehta faces a maximum penalty of four years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $750,000 fine.
Dr. Mehta was originally indicted in 2018 along with other individuals associated with HOPE Clinic and Patients, Physicians and Pharmacists Fighting Diversion, the release said.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.