DOJ and DEA settle claims that Naturopath improperly prescribed scheduled drugs

Seattle – The U.S. Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) today settled civil claims that a Seattle Naturopathic Physician had prescribed drugs outside her limited authority, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Marina (aka Marianna) Abrams, N.D. will pay the government $65,000 to resolve the allegations and entered into a four-year Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) which gives the DEA the ability to ensure Abrams’s prescribing practices are in compliance with the Controlled Substance Act. 

According to the statement of facts in the settlement agreement, between 2009 and 2021, Abrams wrote 209 controlled substance prescriptions that were outside the scope of what a Naturopathic Physician can provide. Abrams wrote an additional 204 prescriptions to be filled in California, despite the fact that she had no DEA registration to write prescriptions in that state. The settlement indicates that she prescribed controlled substances such as Alprazolam, Lorazepam, Zolpidem, Tramadol, and Diazepam.

“The DEA remains vigilant in order to ensure the proper use of practitioners’ prescribing authority and this result further demonstrates our commitment to safeguard the public from a broad spectrum of potential drug threats,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. 

With the settlement agreement, Abrams agrees she will limit her prescribing of controlled substances to the only two controlled substances naturopathic doctors are permitted to prescribe by Washington state law: testosterone and codeine products.

As part of the MOA, Abrams will also take steps to more clearly document in patient files where she has consulted medical doctors. She will ensure that all literature and websites related to her practice do not imply she is a medical doctor. Abrams agrees to ensure her staff does not sign or write prescriptions or prescription refills using her DEA registration number. If she changes her practice area or employment, she must notify DEA.

If Abrams fails to follow the MOA or violates the law regarding the prescribing of controlled substances, DEA may revoke her registration.

The matter was investigated by the DEA Diversion Program.

The settlement was negotiated by Assistant United States Attorney Matt Waldrop.