Tucson Doctor’s License Revoked Amid Opioid Prescription Scandal

The Arizona Medical Board has suspended the medical license of Dr. David A. Ruben, a Tucson-based physician, over allegations of inappropriate opioid prescriptions to patients. This marks another disciplinary action for Ruben, who has faced previous board interventions for similar issues. Consequently, he is currently barred from practicing medicine.

Patricia McSorley, executive director of the Arizona Medical Board, communicated that although Ruben is under suspension, he retains the right to a formal hearing to defend himself against the charges. Ruben’s contentious history includes accusations of prescribing opioid painkillers to patients who might not have needed them, administering inappropriate dosages, and risking patient addiction.

Ruben, a 1974 graduate of the University of Arizona College of Medicine, counters that the board’s actions are unmerited. He asserts that his prescribed dosages were low and beneficial to patients, who didn’t voice any complaints or suffer harm.

The controversy surrounding opioid prescriptions isn’t new. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidelines urging doctors to avoid prescribing opioids for chronic pain due to the high risk of addiction, except in cases involving active cancer treatment, palliative, or end-of-life care. Despite these guidelines, Ruben continued to prescribe medications like Percocet, Norco, and Oxycodone.

Between September 2016 and March 2017, Ruben reportedly wrote 25 prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances to 11 different patients. Notably, he was under a censure that prohibited him from prescribing such drugs during this period. Ruben reported one Oxycodone prescription himself, claiming it was an error.

The Arizona Medical Board’s investigation revealed that Ruben was unaware that drugs like Percocet and Norco were classified as Schedule II substances. This lack of awareness contributed to the board’s unanimous decision to suspend him.

Ruben has faced multiple disciplinary actions over the years. In 2009, he was reprimanded and placed on probation for potentially perpetuating a female patient’s drug addiction. He received further censure in 2016 after an extended hearing process, following complaints from pharmacies about his prescriptions.

Governor Doug Ducey declared a statewide health emergency in June, spotlighting the opioid crisis, which claimed the lives of at least two Arizonans per day in 2016. The Arizona Medical Board is prioritizing investigations related to inappropriate prescribing and is moving to mandate continuing medical education for physicians on the safe and effective prescribing of opioids.

Ruben expresses disappointment in both the Arizona Medical Board and the state legislature, accusing them of misunderstanding the issues surrounding opiate prescribing and neglecting the needs of millions who require pain care.

Contact health reporter Stephanie Innes at 573-4134 or sinnes@tucson.com. Follow her on Twitter: @stephanieinnes