Duo fined $112G for improper opioid prescriptions

PHILADELPHIA » A Havertown doctor and a physician assistant have agreed to pay $112,500 to resolve allegations that they improperly prescribed opioids to a former patient, according to a release from U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain.

“Given the opioid epidemic that our society is facing, it is critical for practitioners to prescribe opioids with caution and discretion,” said McSwain in the release. “While our office appreciates the cooperation that these two healthcare providers gave in the midst of the investigation, this resolution serves as an important reminder to all healthcare providers that they must exercise caution and judgment in prescribing these dangerous substances.”

Stephen Humbert, D.O., and physician assistant Raymond Ferraro collectively prescribed approximately 4,000 oxycodone pills and more than 200 fentanyl patches to the deceased patient for more than a year, according to the release.

Both men cooperated with federal investigators after the Drug Enforcement Administration launched an investigation, the release states. In addition to the monetary settlement, Humbert and Ferraro have entered into an administrative agreement with the DEA implementing new policies for opioid patients and requiring regular reports on prescriptions for controlled substances.

The case was investigated by the DEA and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony D. Scicchitano handled the matter.

“The DEA will continue to investigate any report of a doctor or other registrant misusing or abusing their privilege to prescribe controlled substances,” said Jon Wilson, special agent in charge of the DEA’s Philadelphia Field Division. “In addition to criminal sanctions, the DEA can impose administrative restrictions and pursue civil fines against registrants that are involved in the improper prescription of controlled substances, as was done in this investigation.”