Southeast Regional Pain Center (SRPC), in Columbus, Georgia, violated both the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and the False Claims Act (FCA)

MACON, Ga. – Kenneth Barngrover, M.D., and his practice, Southeast Regional Pain Center (SRPC), in Columbus, Georgia, has agreed to a $1,000,000 civil penalty to resolve allegations that the pain medicine practice violated both the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and the False Claims Act (FCA). In addition to a monetary payment, Dr. Barngrover and SRPC entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that will be in effect for the next three years.

Barngrover was registered with the DEA as required and operated a worker’s compensation pharmacy out of SRPC offices from which he was authorized to dispense controlled substances. At issue in the settlement were allegations that in the operation of his worker’s compensation pharmacy, Barngrover failed to comply with certain recordkeeping requirements. Those alleged violations included failing to maintain a biennial inventory; failing to maintain a current, complete and accurate record of controlled substances; and collecting medications without DEA authority or documentation of receipt.

In addition to the alleged violations of the CSA, the settlement also resolves allegations that Dr. Barngrover and SRCP violated the False Claims Act by billing Medicare and Tricare for medically unnecessary evaluation and management services, evaluation and management services that were up-coded and psychological testing services that were not appropriately rendered.

“If providers wish to operate like a pharmacy and dispense drugs to their patients, they must act like a pharmacy and maintain accurate records of highly addictive and dangerous drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Moreover, our federal health care system requires services rendered to patients be medically necessary and appropriate. Providers must abide by federal guidelines put in place for the protection of our citizens.”  Read More from Source