The DOJ unsealed an indictment against a Tennessee-based pain physician and nurse for unlawful controlled substance distribution.
Four things to know:
1. The indictment charges Hemal Mehta, MD, of Brentwood, Tenn., and Heather Marks, APRN, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and nine counts of unlawful controlled substance distribution.
2. Between 2016 and 2018, the indictment alleges the co-conspirators distributed Schedule II controlled substances to patients unnecessarily. The substances included oxycodone, morphine sulfate and oxymorphone.
3. The indictment, filed on Oct. 23, also alleges Dr. Mehta and Ms. Marks dispensed and distributed oxycodone and oxymorphone over a two-year period.
4. This indictment occurred as part of the Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid Task Force efforts to combat illegal opioid distribution. The task force has charged more than 70 defendants since October 2018.