A major telehealth company, Done Global Inc., faces federal charges for allegedly distributing over 40 million Adderall pills without securely confirming ADHD diagnoses, potentially disrupting treatment for tens of thousands of patients across the United States. Federal prosecutors announced the indictments of the company’s CEO and clinical president, both arrested in California on Thursday.
Exploiting the Pandemic for Profit
Court documents reveal that Done Global struggled financially until the COVID-19 pandemic, after which it capitalized on the crisis by swiftly enrolling patients in monthly auto-refills of medication following brief telehealth consultations. Allegedly, these consultations often lacked proper ADHD assessments or follow-up visits, bypassing necessary medical protocols.
Legal Action and Allegations
Attorney General Merrick Garland condemned the scheme as a $100 million fraud targeting taxpayers and facilitating access to Adderall and other stimulants without legitimate medical justification. Executives purportedly deleted incriminating documents and used encrypted messaging to evade legal scrutiny, failing to comply with grand jury subpoenas.
Impact on ADHD Patients
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned that 20,000 to 50,000 adults with ADHD could face treatment disruptions due to the company’s actions. This crisis comes amid existing shortages and price hikes for ADHD medications, with counterfeit pills containing dangerous substances like fentanyl posing additional risks.
Legal Ramifications
Done Global’s CEO and clinical president face charges that could lead to 20 years in prison for conspiring to distribute controlled substances. Prosecutors allege the company’s telehealth appointments were hurried and insufficient, aimed at maximizing prescription volume rather than providing genuine medical care.
Broader Implications for Telehealth
The case underscores debates over telehealth regulations, particularly regarding the temporary waiver of in-person medical evaluations during the pandemic. The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act mandates at least one in-person evaluation before virtual medication dispensing, a requirement temporarily lifted during COVID-19.
Understanding ADHD and Treatment
ADHD affects approximately 10% of children and 4.4% of adults in the U.S., impairing attention, movement control, and impulse management. Stimulants like Adderall are crucial treatments, but their misuse and illegal distribution can exacerbate health risks and societal stigma associated with ADHD.
