BOTHELL — A Bothell doctor’s medical license has been summarily restricted by the state Department of Health after allegations he improperly prescribed more controlled substances than any other doctor in the state.
Daniel J. Riegel has been a doctor since 1989. He was reported initially in 2013 by his previous employer, EvergreenHealth, which filed a complaint with the state, according to the health department’s charging statement.
The noncriminal charging statement accuses Riegel of violating state law determining how pain medications are prescribed.
Riegel is alleged to have improperly prescribed opioids for treating chronic non-cancer pain, not complying with prescription standards, prescribing high doses of narcotics based on patient complaints without additional objective measures or supportive findings, failing to provide close monitoring and writing prescriptions for patients suffering severe depression or suicidal thoughts without ensuring they received mental health treatment.
Riegel has 20 business days to appeal his license’s restrictions, which prohibit him from writing prescriptions for any controlled substances. No criminal charges have been filed. The case has been referred to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.
The charging statement alleges Riegel inadequately documented patient’s states of health, and in at least one case, allegedly prescribed the stimulant Adderall without an electronic record.
Riegel also allegedly allowed patients to routinely refill their narcotic painkiller prescriptions early, and did not perform urine analysis on patients, or record their results to see if they were taking the medications themselves, and at proper dosages.
Several of his patients were hospitalized because of life-threatening, narcotic-related conditions during the past few years, according to the charging statement.
Additionally, the statement alleges Riegel prescribed opioids to at least one patient who admitted to him he was using the medications to manage his depression instead of pain.
Aaron Kunkler: 425-483-3732 Ex. 5052 or akunkler@bothell-reporter.com.
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