forging a prescription?

Question

My sister has been accepting forged prescriptions from her nurse friend. Her friend called them in sometimes to the pharmacy. They were drugs such as vicodin, and phenogen. The nurse got caught. What can happen to my sister now?

Answer 1

Depending on where you live, and your age (ie a minor or adult) the consequences will vary. Regardless, it is a very very serious offense and considered a felony. The nurse will probably receive the stiffer of the penalties because she is the one responsible criminally, and in addition to that she also violated codes of ethics that nurses and other healthcare professionals such as doctors and pharmacists also agree to abide by. The nurse friend will be charged and face fines and potential jail time. She most likely will lose her ability to practice nursing whether it will be for some period of time, or for life would be determined most likely by a board of her peers (ie: other nurses).

Your sister would likely also be charged since she was directly involved with prescription fraud, a felony, and will punished as such. Chances are she will receive fines, potentially face jail time but not likely serve any. A very good chance of counselling as well for narcotic addiction. This could potentially reduce jail time and/or charges. It is possible they would use her testimony to hold up the charges against the nurse friend. She should definitely be talking to a lawyer if she hasn't already spoken to one.

Answer 2

I also read your other question that was asking if 6 mg of Ativan per day is too much. Typically, 2 mg is given 1 to 3 times per day but that is not the maximum a person can take per day. For insomnia due to anxiety or transient situational stress, a single daily dose of 4 mg may be given, usually at bedtime. The most commonly noted side effects associated with this drug are sedation, dizziness, weakness, and unsteadiness. If your mother is mixing the drug and alcohol, these side effects will be amplified. It is absolutely possible that ANYONE can order this drug over the internet even WITHOUT a prescription. It is also possible that a person can alter a doctor's written prescription. My experience, with a similar benzodiazepine, Xanax, is that I would ask my doctor for a refill over the phone and would also have an office visit scheduled for a week or two later. By the time I spoke to him in person, he forgot that he already called it in to the pharmacy and then would write out a new one...and usually both contained refills! Unfortunately, some doctors are so disorganized that "pulling a fast one" on them isn't that hard to do. Some people go thru two or three different doctors for the same Rx. However, in your mother's case, it's possible the Dr. may have written one Rx for immediate use and one for a 90-day supply to mail-in for insurance reasons. That's actually pretty common. But if she continues to get these 90 and 135 count bottles every couple of weeks, then it sounds like she's overmedicating herself. It's possible that she's really depressed and needs a totally different medication in order to cope with the symptoms she's having. You could call the doctor's office and ask to speak with either the doctor or his/her nurse. Explain who you are to the DR or RN and what your concerns are. They will be limited to the specific information that they can give you but should certainly be willing to listen and address your concerns. BUT THE BEST THING for you to do would be to talk to your mother. Tell her that you are concerned about the long-term effects of the medication, as it can become addictive. While in many situations taking a prescribed drug is a necessary step to overcoming emotional distress, it is not a definite solution. It is only a crutch used to get through a difficult time. Combining medication with regular talk-therapy; thus getting at the core of the distress, will lead to having to take less and less of the medication until finally it is no longer needed. It could only take a few months to a year, or it could take 5 to 10 years. Each person is different. Just remember to be sensitive and give lots of hugs and tell your loved ones that you love them- no matter how many times it is said, it's never too much. Good luck and I truely hope things work out for you and your family.

Answer 3

Sadly she can be sent to jail. My sisters father in law took forged prescription vicodin, pain killers, ect. And he got caught, can't remember how, but anyhow I do know that he spent some time in Jail for that, and of course it will always be on his record. Thats really sad though, she needs people who care enough and willing to help her, it will get worse if she doesn't get help. Best of Luck to you and your sister...And shame on that Nurse......Thats pretty sad...

Answer 4

Nothing can happen to her legally. The nurse friend is the one who's in trouble. Now, your sister needs to get some serious help.

Answer 5

What your sister did is a serious FELONY. Unless she can prove that she didn't know they were fraudulent, then she should probably start looking for a good attorney. At very least she will lose her job when her managers find out.

Answer 6

She can be convicted of a felony. The prosecuter may work a deal if she testifies against the nurse.

Answer 7

prescription fraud is a felony in most states. if your sister is a first time offender she's looking at 18 months of pre trial diversion or probation.

Answer 8

She might be arrested and charged with having a controlled medication with a phony prescription or something along those lines.

Answer 9

Felony conviction, jailtime, huge fine -- if it can be proven that your sister knew of the forgery.

Answer 10

She will eventually get busted for obtaining illegal controled perscription drugs.