Prosecution of physicians for prescribing opioids to patients

Abstract

In this issue, Reidenberg and Willis(1) highlight the legal dangers associated with prescribing opioids for patients when federal or state governments believe that such prescribing is outside the "usual course of medical practice." This article expands on the themes identified by the authors and addresses the problems faced by both prescribers and patients when "Big Brother" enters the treatment room and looks over the physician's shoulder.