Dr. Juan Kurdi, an interventional cardiologist in Lubbock, Texas, has agreed to pay $1.2 million to resolve allegations that he violated the Controlled Substances Act by improperly prescribing opioids and other controlled substances, Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson announced.
Dr. Kurdi, who co-owned a medical practice in Lubbock, allegedly issued prescriptions for drugs such as Oxycodone, Alprazolam, Tramadol, and Vyvanse outside the usual course of professional practice, often without a legitimate medical purpose or proper doctor-patient relationship. Many prescriptions were written in the names of family members and friends but were intended for his personal use.
Investigators found Dr. Kurdi did not conduct physical exams or maintain medical records to justify the prescriptions. He frequently filled these prescriptions at local pharmacies and personally collected the drugs, despite some recipients living far away.
In the settlement, Dr. Kurdi admits to issuing certain prescriptions to obtain controlled substances for personal use but does not admit liability for the broader allegations. He has also voluntarily relinquished his DEA registration.
DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Joseph B. Tucker emphasized that the case serves as a warning to physicians who improperly prescribe controlled substances, contributing to the opioid crisis.
The investigation was led by the DEA's Fort Worth Diversion Squad and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Robbins under the oversight of Northern District of Texas civil chiefs.
