EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — An El Paso doctor has agreed to a $200,000 settlement after being accused of fraud allegations.
Dr. Brian August was accused of violating the Controlled Substances Act, the False Claims Act, and the Texas Health Care Program Fraud Prevention Act.
The allegations involved 255 controlled substance prescriptions issued to 15 individuals between Dec. 23, 2017, and May 22, 2021.
The prescriptions included Schedule II substances like morphine and fentanyl, and Schedule IV substances such as carisoprodol and zolpidem, according to the US Department of Justice.
The federal government alleged that August issued these prescriptions without meeting Texas physicians’ requirements for treating pain, documenting legitimate medical purposes, or demonstrating medical necessity.
The United States and Texas also contended that Dr. August violated the False Claims Act and the Texas Health Care Fraud Prevention Act, as the prescriptions were not eligible for Medicare Part D and Texas Medicaid reimbursement.
The settlement includes $994.22 in restitution to the Texas Medicaid Program and $44,380.55 to Medicare Part D, with the remainder covering civil damages and penalties.
Dr. August has surrendered his DEA registration and his Texas medical license as part of the settlement.
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