After Overdose, Morrisville Dentist Settles Federal Opioid Case

MORRISVILLE, PA — A dentist with an office in Morrisville will pay $150,000 to settle charges that she illegally took opioids from the office for her personal use, resulting in an overdose.

Dr. Pranathi V. Reddy also must stop prescribing opioids for four years to resolve the allegations, federal prosecutors announced.

According to the U.S. Attorney's office in Philadelphia, Reddy, on Oct. 14, 2018, took "a package of controlled substances for personal use" and later overdosed, having to be taken to a hospital. She also was accused of failing to maintain proper records of the controlled substances she used in her dentistry practice from June 2017 through November 2018.

For example, the settlement resolves allegations that Reddy failed to keep an initial inventory of her controlled substances and document transfer of the substances with required forms.

"Controlled substances, especially opioids, pose extraordinary risks to our communities, including to healthcare providers," said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams. "When providers are granted the privilege of purchasing and prescribing controlled substances, they also accept the weighty responsibilities that come along with those privileges, including ensuring that controlled substances are used for a legitimate medical purpose and generating the records necessary for accountability and transparency."

With the settlement, there is no determination of liability in the case.

Under the settlement, Reddy is barred from buying, prescribing or dispensing any Schedule II controlled substances for at least the next four years. She also is subject to monitoring, including having to report her controlled substance purchase and prescriptions to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.

Reddy's Morrisville office is located at 6027 Spruce Mill Dr.