NEW: RI Physician Ordered Controlled Drugs for Home Use
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
A Rhode Island physician has been found by the RI Board of Health (HEALTH) guilty of "unprofessional conduct" for ordering bulk quantities of controlled substances for home and self use.
John Gosch-Barker, MD, does not practice medicine, but had received 2,500 tables of Hydrocodone and 500 10-mg. tablets of Zolpidem at his home, according to HEALTH. Dr. Gosch-Barker does not practice medicine and does not have a business address. According to HEALTH, the 86-year-old retired radiologist physician stated that the drugs were for personal use for age-related spinal pain. Dr. Gosch-Barker claims he was unaware that the practice was prohibited.
Hydrocodone is a is a synthetic opioid derived from either of two naturally occurring opiates: codeine and thebaine. It's used to treat moderate pain as well as an antitussive to treat cough. Stronger than codeine but only one-tenth as powerful as morphine, hydrocodone can be habit-forming. Zolpidem, which is sold under several brand names including Ambien, is used to treat insomnia.
Dr. Gosch-Barker was required to surrender his Controlled Substance Registration, according to documents.
