Grand Rapids Dentist To Pay $200,000 To Resolve Allegations Of Illegitimate Controlled Substance Prescribing

          GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — Scott T. Singstock, D.D.S., has agreed to pay $200,000 to resolve allegations that he violated the Controlled Substances Act by writing illegitimate prescriptions for controlled substances, U.S. Attorney Andrew B. Birge announced today. Dr. Singstock, who during the course of the investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) surrendered his DEA registration that allowed him to prescribe controlled substances, also has agreed to a five-year restriction on his ability to apply for a new registration.

          This settlement resolves allegations that Dr. Singstock, a Grand Rapids dentist, wrote numerous prescriptions for controlled substances, most of which were for opioids, without a legitimate medical purpose and outside of the usual course of professional practice. The United States alleges that many of these prescriptions were written for individuals with whom Dr. Singstock had no bona fide doctor-patient relationship and no medical records.

          "The DEA entrusts physicians like Dr. Singstock with a privilege to prescribe controlled substances—a privilege that requires compliance with laws and regulations designed to protect against the diversion of prescription drugs that fuels the ongoing opioid epidemic," said U.S. Attorney Birge. "If you break that trust by bending the rules, the consequences will be swift and significant. As we continue to fight the opioid epidemic in Michigan, my office is committed to working with the DEA and other law enforcement to ensure compliance."

          "Everyone, including the patient, the prescriber, and the manufacturer, plays an important role in utilizing opioids correctly," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin, Detroit Field Division. "In this instance, the prescriber chose to operate outside of the law, and this is the consequence for that choice."

          This case was investigated by the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew J. Hull represented the United States.

          The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

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