This isn't an ordinary "fraud and scam," I hope. I found out yesterday that my brother, a physician assistant, has been writing prescriptions for Ambien for my 93 year old mother, but Mom doesn't take Ambien. He's keeping it for his own use. We found this out when Mom's doctor prescribed Xanax for temporary insomnia until we can figure out what's causing Mom's severe rash and itching--all over her body. The pharmacist took me aside and said, "I cannot fill this order because she already has an order for Ambien." There's bad blood between myself and my brother already. Now I am trying to figure out what to do/say/think. I made him "fix it," and he found a pharmacy that didn't mind filling the Xanax Rx, regardless of Ambien. So at least Mom has what she needs. Cannot trust my brother not to keep doing it.
You have nothing to lose except a loser brother who causes trouble to his own mother, his family, and who knows who else.
Pretty common in the medical field for this kind of behavior. Physician's Health Program "PHP" is in many states. It's a monitoring, recovery program for nurses, PAs and doctors. Very strict too. They have zero tolerance for people in the program who think they can scam their way through it. But, are pretty good at helping people help themselves, get on their feet, into medical professionals focused recovery programs and offer support after leaving the PHP program. There was a person from the West coast came here, getting help in the program. Others will find different states to get the help they need in line with their careers and home lives if where they are is not going to offer the best solution to their addictions. 'Cause, dollars to doughnuts, he's likely drinking too and may have a few other issues to deal with. Stuff like this is never just one thing, it's the proverbial "combo platter". I've had a lot of exposure to addicts, junkies, alcoholics over the years, and once that switch has been flipped, it will stay that way. Hence the perfect mantra "one day at a time". The addicts, alcoholics who remain clean and sober never, ever forget that. Also, don't expect your brother to have a miraculous recovery and have that "come to Jesus" moment. There will be re-lapses and it gets ugly. Depends on how much either one of you want each other in that process. If he says no-ok-step back and hope for the best. All you can do.
The Dr. will ask your brother to do a drug test. If found the drug is in his system, he may lose his license to practise.
If you don't want to go this route then you will have to confront your brother and demand he stop writing prescriptions for Mom. If he doesn't, it could mean his job because you will make his boss aware of it. Its serious when someone in healthcare abuses their position.
I totally understand how difficult this situation is but, what happens when mom is hospitalized and their computer shows meds she doesn't take? That could literally kill her, to much or not the right thing or a combination of stuff.
I can understand our frontline workers needing something to help them rest and get out of their own heads right now but, the way your brother is dealing with this is illegal and dangerous, it truly indicates that he has an addiction. He needs an intervention to save his life.
Prayers sent that he gets the help he needs.
Just another medication, tried and failed.
Many years ago.
You can't have this going on, not for your mother's safety nor for that of other patients your brother may be fraudulently prescribing for. It wants reporting to your brother's professional licensing body, but the report will have more weight coming from other professionals. If it comes up again, don't ask your brother to fix it. Follow procedure.
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