Title: “Physicians Beware: Liability Risks in Purchasing Imported Drugs and Medical Devices”
Summary: Physicians are facing increased legal scrutiny and liability for purchasing foreign prescription drugs and medical devices not approved by the FDA for use in the United States. Recent civil False Claims Act settlements and criminal convictions highlight the risks associated with obtaining drugs from Canada and other countries or unauthorized suppliers. Physicians must take responsibility for knowing the source of drugs and devices they purchase, ensuring they come from approved suppliers. The blog post discusses recent enforcement actions, changes in federal and state law, and provides insights into the consequences physicians may face, including criminal and civil liabilities, reimbursement issues, and potential loss of professional licenses. It also emphasizes the importance of compliance practices and self-disclosure in case physicians unknowingly purchase unapproved drugs or devices