Delco Doc Banned From Prescribing Opioids For Pill Sharing: Feds

RIDLEY PARK, PA — A Delaware County doctor has had his ability to prescribe opioids permanently stripped following allegations that he improperly prescribed oxycodone and split the pills with a patient for his own personal use, federal authorities said.

United States Attorney William M. McSwain Friday said Dr. Eric Heffelfinger, a pulmonologist who previously practiced in Ridley Park, will pay $50,000 and permanently lose his ability to prescribe opioids.

According to authorities, the settlement resolves allegations that between February 2014 and August 2016 Heffelfinger — who had a registration with the Drug Enforcement Administration to prescribe controlled substances — prescribed oxycodone to one patient on several occasions at least partially for the purpose of using some pills himself.

Federal authorities contend the prescriptions were not written for a legitimate medical purpose and in the usual course of professional practice, thus making them illegal.

Heffelfinger agreed to pay $50,000 to resolve the allegations.

The settlement also permanently prevents Heffelfinger, as a physician, from ever purchasing, prescribing, distributing, or dispensing opioid controlled substances in the future and imposes a number of other accountability measures through an administrative agreement with the Drug Enforcement Administration.