Doctors, drugs of dependence and discipline: a retrospective review of disciplinary decisions in New Zealand, 1997-2016

Abstract

AIM: To describe disciplinary cases for inappropriate prescribing of drugs of dependence by doctors in New Zealand, 1997-2016.METHODS: A retrospective analysis of disciplinary decisions to describe characteristics of cases (setting, drugs, outcome) and doctors (sex, specialty, years since qualification).RESULTS: There were 25 disciplinary decisions involving 24 doctors. Disciplined doctors were mostly male (19; 76%), working in general practice (19; 76%), and older (mean 24 years in practice). Pharmacists were the most common source of notification to the authorities (6; 24%); medical colleagues reported only four (16%). The alleged misconduct often involved behaviour in addition to inappropriate prescribing. In all cases the doctor was found guilty of professional misconduct. Penalties were severe: six doctors were removed from practice, 11 were suspended, and of the remainder all but one had restrictions on practice imposed. In many decisions there was no patient harm documented.CONCLUSION: Disciplinary cases for inappropriate prescribing of drugs of dependence by doctors in New Zealand are not common, but the consequences can be dire. The role of discipline in doctors with drug dependence is unclear