On December 13, 2024, The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) was informed of a prescriber disruption involving a Gloucester County-based medical doctor and nurse practitioner who prescribed controlled dangerous substances (CDS), including opioids, benzodiazepines, medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and some stimulants. This incident has led to a disruption in access to CDS for an estimated 450 patients, leaving patients at-risk for withdrawal symptoms due to an abrupt discontinuation of these medications and overdose if they turn to the illicit drug market. Abrupt withdrawal from benzodiazepines can be life-threatening. This health alert is being issued to alert providers to the potential health concerns for impacted patients.
You will also find attached to this health alert two patient handouts, one in English and one in Spanish. These resources provides an overview of options for patients who are prescribed a medication and have lost access to their healthcare provider. Some resources promoted in the handouts may not be applicable to all patients.
This information has been broadcast to: County LINCS; Virtua CNS; BCHD Employees; Twp Admin; Municipal Clerks; Community Health Centers(FQHCs); Emergency Medical Services / First Responders; County OEM; EMS; Fire; Local OEM; Police; Hospital Emergency Dept; Hospital Medical Directors; Hospital Nursing Directors; Hospitals/Acute Care; Local Boards of Health; Mayors;