Prescription fraud is a serious criminal offense. It often involves everyday medications like painkillers or anxiety pills. What starts as a seemingly small decision, such as changing a refill date or using someone else’s prescription, can quickly lead to criminal charges.
People can be surprised to learn how easy it is to cross the line when it comes to prescription drug charges. Maryland takes these offenses seriously, especially when controlled substances are involved.
Below are some of the most common examples of prescription fraud.
Falsifying a prescription
One notable example of prescription fraud is drafting or changing a prescription without permission. This could include forging a doctor’s signature, increasing the dosage or calling in a prescription while pretending to be a medical employee. Under Maryland Criminal Law § 5-701, it is illegal to obtain prescription drugs through deception, misrepresentation or forgery.
Doctor shopping
Visiting several doctors to get multiple prescriptions without telling them about the others is known as doctor shopping. Providing false symptoms or withholding important information to get medication can also qualify as fraud. These actions often involve controlled dangerous substances, which are closely regulated by law.
Using someone else’s medication
It is illegal to use medication not prescribed to you, even if the medication was given to you by a friend or family member. When someone else obtains a prescription unlawfully and you possess it, the charges can be even more severe. Maryland Criminal Law § 5-606 makes it a crime to possess a counterfeit or altered prescription with the intent to distribute.
Prescription fraud can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances. Penalties may include jail time, a fine or both. That’s why it’s so important to seek legal guidance.