Kentucky doctor was sexually involved with patients, wrote them illegal prescriptions
A Kentucky doctor has admitted writing improper prescriptions for pain pills and other drugs to patients with whom he was sexually involved.
Michael S. Gainey, 70, pleaded guilty to seven charges of illegal distribution of controlled substances, according to the court record.
Gainey practiced in Harrison County as a family medicine specialist during the time of the offenses, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Justice.
His plea agreement said Gainey prescribed drugs that included hydrocodone, oxycodone and Valium to seven patients.
Some patients received dozens of prescriptions over several years, according to the plea document.
Gainey knew the prescriptions were outside the scope of legitimate medical practice, in part because of the personal relationships he had with the patients, his plea agreement said.
“Throughout and after the course of these sexual relationships, Gainey continued to prescribe controlled substances to these patients, knowing that these patients consulted with him because he would write controlled substances prescriptions based on relaxed medical standards,” the plea document said.
Gainey pleaded guilty in federal court Jan. 12 and agreed to forfeit his medical license.
The illegal prescribing charges have a maximum penalty of 20 years each, but Gainey’s sentence is likely to be less based on advisory guidelines.
He is scheduled to be sentenced June 30.
