The state’s evidence against Middletown’s Dr. Phillip Foley is startling: He wrote 96,000 prescriptions, a rate of 545 per week; he wrote 424 prescriptions for 141 patients in a single day; and nearly all prescriptions were for narcotics, stimulants and painkillers.
When the Indiana Medical Licensing Board issued an emergency suspension of Foley’s license for 90 days at a hearing last Thursday, Foley was described as a “clear and present danger” to patients.
During its investigation of Foley, the state determined that pharmaceuticals he prescribed contributed to the deaths of at least nine patients. Dr. W.S. Minore testified at Friday’s hearing that Foley and his staff failed to properly examine or screen patients before prescribing painkillers.
Foley denies that he prescribed pills recklessly. Whomever you believe, the case raises complex issues about public safety and medical ethics.
Prescription drug abuse has eclipsed illegal street drug use in recent years. Pharmaceutical companies spend millions in television advertising persuading people that there is a pill that will solve their problems, from cancer to diabetes to restless legs.
Patients will visit their doctor and say they want the new miracle drug. Doctors then determine whether the drug is right for their patient. Some might prescribe the drug too readily.
Painkillers offer relief for people with chronic arthritis, back trouble and a host of other painful ailments. These drugs — hydrocodone and oxycodone, to name a couple — are what Foley prescribed most. These drugs can also be addictive.
Radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh found himself needing an illegal supplier of painkillers when he got hooked. Recently actor Burt Reynolds checked into rehab after developing a drug habit following back surgery. It’s understandable that freely prescribing these dangerous drugs would be labeled a “clear and present danger” by the state.
What will happen to Foley’s patients now that his license is under emergency suspension? According to news reports, Foley was treating 2,000 patients. One neighbor who lived near Foley’s office reported seeing the same cars in the parking lot time after time.
The patients in his care will have to find a new doctor, which will be a hardship for some, depending on place of residence, comfort level they’d developed with Foley, and other factors.
Via the emergency suspension of Foley’s license, the state has given itself 90 days to determine how to proceed in the case. Given the seriousness of the allegations, the suspension makes sense.
Editorials
Editorial: Board right to suspend medical doctor’s license
- Editorials
-
-
Editorial: Memorial Day helps put face on wounded warriors
This is the perfect weekend to thank a veteran, an active duty service member or a wounded warrior for his or her service. Our positive, encouraging response goes a long way in defining our society.
-
Editorial: Honor those who fought, and celebrate our freedom
This weekend, keep in mind the reason for Memorial Day — to remember those who have been so important in our lives, especially those who made the supreme sacrifice in military service.
-
Editorial: Governor candidates offer conservatism, moderation
The jockeying for position has begun in what is basically a two-horse gubernatorial race. Each offers voters a legitimate option. The November outcome may offer a simple referendum on the mindset of voters: Are they most persuaded by Mike Pence’s conservatism or by John Gregg’s moderation?
-
Editorial: Keep up the chorus against the landfill
Occupy Anderson has joined the ever-growing chorus against the proposed Mallard Lake landfill. Sam Mudd, a member of Occupy, is taking his studies on how the landfill might pollute Anderson’s water to areas of the county to drum up support against the landfill.
-
Editorial: Find a buyer for former school or tear it down
If a buyer wants the former Pendleton Heights Middle School, fine, but put no more taxpayer money into it.
-
Editorial: Libraries must adapt to serve communities
Certainly, the Friends of the Anderson Public Library needs space to store and sell used books, records, DVDs and other material. But library supporters and staff must be flexible in this ever-changing world to keep public facilities relevant.
-
You Said It: About Walking Men, the Queen of Disco and settled lawsuits
Each Monday, The Herald Bulletin publishes “You Said It,” a compilation of reader comments from www.theheraldbulletin.com.
-
Editorial: Ockomon-Spencer saga hurt city's reputation
Wednesday, May 16, was a sad day for Anderson taxpayers forced to pay a $128,000 bill that ends a saga that never should have started
-
Editorial: It's Pendleton's time to shine this weekend
The residents of Pendleton can be a little prouder of themselves today. Two events capture the community spirit that makes the town one of the gems in our region.
-
Editorial: Little 500 Festival, local events heating up Saturday
Like the Indianapolis 500, Anderson Speedway’s Little 500 should be on the bucket list for folks living in the Madison County area.
- More Editorials Headlines
-
