Settlement Bars Two From DEA Registration - Takeaways - MDSpire

Settlement Bars Two From DEA Registration

A DOJ settlement resolved allegations involving a cash-pay pain practice in which continued access to controlled-substance prescriptions was tied to recurring payments.

  • By

  • Kathryn Wighton

  • July 7, 2026

  • 2 min

Share

  • 1

    Douglas Cline, MD, and Laurie McKenna agreed to a $500,000 civil settlement for unlawful opioid prescribing.

  • 2

    The settlement prohibits both from applying for DEA registration to prescribe controlled substances for 20 years.

  • 3

    Patients received high-dose opioids tied to recurring payments without regular provider evaluations.

  • 4

    Dr. Cline allegedly transferred his residence to hinder federal recovery after learning of the investigation.

  • 5

    The case is part of the DOJ's 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, emphasizing enforcement against fraudulent practices.

Original Source(s)

Settlement Bars Two From DEA Registration

  • by Kathryn Wighton

  • July 7, 2026

Related Content

Secretary Kennedy Announces Over $700 Million in New Funding to Address Mental Illness, Addiction, Homelessness

Association Between Hospital-Based Addiction Consult Service Implementation and Hospital Length-of-Stay and 30-Day Readmission Rates for Patients with Opioid Use Disorder

Persistent neuropsychiatric dysfunction following chronic tiletamine-containing e-cigarette use: a case report