OTL

Abuse of prescription pain medication has been an issue in the news recently. A Wichita, Kansas couple is being sent to prison for at least twenty years, possibly a life sentence. Sentencing is expected to take place within the next two months. The couple worked in the medical field, the husband a doctor, his wife a nurse. They have been charged with conspiring to profit from over prescribing pain medication.

The numbers are astounding with over 100 higher than normal prescriptions written and at least 68 patient deaths from overdosing on pain medications. Dr. Steven Schneider and his wife Linda ran a clinic treating patients with chronic pain issues. The doctor allegedly prescribed pain medication in much higher than normal doses resulting in death for several patients. The prosecuting attorney pointed out that there is a huge problem with patients being addicted to pain medications. He also stated that using over prescribed pain medication can be as deadly as using illegal drugs and must be stopped.

Charges for the pair include money laundering, unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, and health care fraud. Lawyers for the couple already have appeals in the working. They feel that the couple are the victims in this situation and that differences between the FDA and DEA need to be addressed.

Doctor and Wife Busted for Overprescribing Medication