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Two days ago, federal agents rounded up 88 doctors in Puerto Rico whose licenses were obtained through fraud or bribery. Five states recognize Puerto Rico licenses: Arizona, Florida, New York, Texas and Virginia. Fortunately, none of the suspects were known to have practiced on the mainland, but who knows what will come out during the trials? How would you like to run into one of those guys if you overdose on drugs? One more reason to get yourself into drug detox so you can get off whatever drugs you’re on before it comes to that.

The medical licensing board that issued the licenses to the 88 doctors is accused of altering low test scores in order to license unqualified applicants. Some of the bribes reached the $10,000 mark. Most of the ‘doctors’ had failed licensing exams in the past, one had failed 16 times. At least 75 of the ‘doctors’ were practicing medicine, some in emergency rooms.

Rosa Perez Perdomo, Puerto Rico’s Health Department secretary, said in what can only be called an understatement, “We cannot allow doctors who obtained their license in an irregular way to practice medicine.”

Back in the day, doctors were trusted. A family doctor was like a member of the family. Today the news is full of stories about doctors who write prescriptions that feed habits like OxyContin addiction and others who have basically become drug dealers. Now we’re facing docs who aren’t even licensed. Get a second opinion before you get yourself into a dangerous situation by taking potentially addictive prescription drugs. And get into drug detox if you’re already there.

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