News Release
U.S. Department of Justice
United States Attorney
District of Rhode Island
April 7, 2008
Warwick physician pays $50,000 for mishandling controlled medications
Ralph A. DiGiacomo, a Warwick-based physician, has paid $50,000 to the United States to settle claims that he failed to adequately account for hydrocodone, which is known by the brand name Vicodin. In a settlement with the Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration, DiGiacomo admitted that he ordered 1200 hydrocodone pills every two to three weeks, and said it was for personal use.
United States Attorney Robert Clark Corrente and June W. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration announced the settlement, which was finalized March 31.
On March 30, 2007, the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy inspected Dr. DiGiacomo’s medical practice, which is located on Toll Gate Road, Warwick. The inspection determined that Dr. DiGiacomo had failed to maintain records of his inventory of hydrocodone, and had taken hydrocodone from the practice to his home in West Kingston.
A week later, DEA agents seized 2,400 tablets of hydrocodone from Dr. DiGiacomo’s residence. Agents also seized Librium and Soma from the residence. Dr. DiGiacomo said at the time that all the Vicodin he had ordered from 2000 to 2007 was for personal use, and that he took 30-40 pills every day.
In the settlement, Dr. DiGiacomo conceded that he negligently violated federal law requiring a physician to maintain complete and accurate records reflecting the receipt and disposition of controlled substances.
Dr. DiGiacomo agrees in the settlement to comply with the terms and conditions established by the Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline for the resumption of his medical practice. The Board last month imposed a one-year license suspension, retroactive to April 4, 2007, the day of the DEA seizures.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams negotiated the settlement for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DEA.