Veterinarian pleaded guilty in 2015 to 10 counts of illegal processing of drug documents for writing opiate prescriptions for dogs and diverting the drugs for personal use; served 17 months incarcerated; DEA denied re-registration application published January 31, 2022.

Michael E. Smith, D.V.M. — Opiate Self-Diversion and DEA Registration Denial (2012–2022)

Outcome: Veterinarian Michael E. Smith pleaded guilty in 2015 to 10 counts of illegal processing of drug documents for diverting veterinary opiates for personal use, served 17 months incarcerated, and surrendered his veterinary license and DEA registration; the DEA denied his subsequent re-registration application in a decision published January 31, 2022.

Michael E. Smith was a licensed veterinarian who became addicted to opiates in 2012 following five months of doctor-prescribed opioids for two major surgeries. When his physicians discontinued the prescriptions, Smith began writing opiate prescriptions in the names of animal patients at his veterinary practice and diverting those controlled substances for his own use. He continued this conduct over approximately a three-month period until he sought addiction treatment.

In 2015, Smith was charged and pleaded guilty to 10 counts of illegal processing of drug documents. He surrendered his veterinary license and his DEA registration as part of the resolution of the criminal case and served 17 months incarcerated.

Years later, Smith applied for a new DEA registration, stating that he was no longer addicted to opiates. The DEA evaluated his application and denied it. The DEA found that his prior misconduct was egregious, that deterrence considerations weighed against granting registration, and that his lack of full candor during the proceedings weighed in favor of denial. The Decision and Order denying registration was published in the Federal Register on January 31, 2022, under Docket No. 21-11.

Primary Source: Michael E. Smith, D.V.M.; Decision and Order (Fed. Reg. Jan. 31, 2022)