Pain Relief Network

The prohibitions and penalties of the criminal law have seeped into the medical profession in pernicious ways. This week the New York Times Magazine highlights the case of Ronald McIver, a doctor who ran a pain control center for patients in chronic pain but who is now in federal prison. He was convicted for his treatment of chronic pain (and its serious side effects) with opiod pain medication.

The prescription of opiod pain medication (controlled substances under the CSA) is an area that has become particularly risky for doctors. The story of Dr. McIver illustrates the way that the criminal law may force doctors to choose between avoiding a criminal charge or engaging in necessary, but legally risky, treatments.

http://www.overcriminalized.com/?PrettyID=4396