Attorney general releases film on drug diversion by health care providers.

In October 2006, Attorney General William Sorrell released a film that highlights a growing problem in Vermont's health care system--drug diversion by health care providers. The film ("When Healing Hands Harm: Drug Diversion in Vermont") was produced by the Medicaid Fraud & Residential Abuse Unit of the Attorney General's office and features the stories of four health care providers convicted of drug diversion. The powerful film contains interviews with the offenders, surveillance footage of actual crimes, and conversations with victim families and other health care and law enforcement professionals.

Appearing at the release of the film, Attorney General Sorrell stated, "The powerful grip of drug addiction can turn caring hands cold. My office is working hard with health care and law enforcement professionals to combat drug diversion from both ends. We are encouraging both active prevention and prosecution efforts. Vermonters need to know that the diversion of drugs by the very persons taking care of the sick and dying will not be tolerated."

Drug diversion is a crime that has affected each Vermont county in recent years. Every county with a residential care facility has experienced drug diversion by health care providers. Because of their abundance of on-hand drugs and their number of patients or residents requiring such drugs, nursing homes and hospitals are a particular focus of prevention and prosecution efforts. "Administrators and colleagues need to be aware of signs of addiction or abuse," said Attorney General Sorrell. "Early detection and action preserves the integrity of patient care, removes a source of drugs for the offender, and may be the best chance for the offender to confront his or her addiction."

The effects of drug diversion are far-reaching. While the four offenders shown in the film are a registered nurse, two licensed practical nurses, and a durable medical equipment provider, the reality of drug diversion reaches across the spectrum of health care professionals. For drug-abusing or drug-addicted health care providers, their regular and easy access to drugs is a perfect storm of access and desire.

The 36-minute film will be distributed to health care programs and law enforcement for training, education, and prevention purposes. The film succeeds in emphasizing the value of prevention and detection and encouraging health care providers to seek substance abuse help for themselves or others. The film also succeeds in providing a sharp reminder that drug diversion is a criminal offense for which offenders suffer criminal consequences, including incarceration and license sanctions.

The film was produced in collaboration with Vermont filmmaker Kenneth Peck and is currently being distributed for training purposes to both health care and law enforcement agencies.

Copies of the film can be obtained by contacting the Medicaid Fraud & Residential Abuse Unit at 43 Randall Street, Waterbury, Vermont 05676 (telephone: [phone]; email: [e-mail]).