Doctor accused of falsifying patient records to get Fentanyl
Doctor accused of falsifying patient records to get Fentanyl
The anesthesiologist at Buffalo General Medical Center worked for a private physician group that provided services at Kaleida Health hospitals.
An anesthesiologist has been accused of falsifying patient records at Buffalo General Medical Center in order to obtain the powerful opioid fentanyl, according to the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.
John R. LoFaso, 34, of Williamsville was arraigned Tuesday morning in Buffalo City Court on a felony charge of falsifying a patient’s medical records after the patient’s chart had been closed in order to obtain fentanyl for personal use while working as an anesthesiologist at Buffalo General Medical Center. He was also accused of two misdemeanors – seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and fraud and deceit related to controlled substances, prosecutors said. LoFaso was not an employee of the hospital, but rather worked for a private physician group that provided anesthesia services at Kaleida Health hospitals, said Michael P. Hughes, Kaleida’s chief administrative officer.
The hospital’s pharmacy manager discovered the diversion of the drug as part of an internal audit process and notified the state Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement.
If convicted, LoFaso could face up to four years in prison.
Approximate date(s) of the diversion:
01/03/2021
Where the Diversion Occurred:
Buffalo General Medical Center
100 High St, Buffalo, NY 14203
Type of Healthcare Facility:
Hospital
Person Diverting:
John R. LoFaso
Profession of the person diverting:
Anesthesiologist
Has the incident been reported?
e.g. to local law enforcement, county board of health, state licensure board, and/or federal DEA or FDA authorities?
Yes
To whom has the incident been reported?
Local Law Enforcement
