Luckett's medical license placed on probation

Dr. Jeremy Luckett, an Owensboro internist, has had his license to practice medicine in Kentucky placed on probation for five years as a result of a case brought before the Commonwealth of Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure.

The probation was effective May 16.

At issue was the performance of Julie Anne Salisbury, PA-C. Luckett had signed a Physician Assistant Initial Application for Prescriptive Authority for Controlled Substances form authorizing Salisbury to write prescriptions under his guidance.

The application reads that "the physician assistant may only prescribe and administer Schedule III, IV and V controlled substances to the extent delegated by (Luckett)."

The board approved the application on Sept. 16, 2021.

The order states that Salisbury treated a patient with a history of substance abuse, and prescribed the patient controlled substances. On or about June 12, 2022, the patient died of an apparent overdose. When the licensure board learned of the death, a request was made for an investigation into Luckett's supervision of Salisbury.

On Feb. 10, 2023, the board opened a separate investigation on Luckett after receiving a grievance from a gynecologist in Owensboro who had concerns about a patient after reviewing a KASPER report, which is the Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting.

The report documented a prescription that was filled every 30 days for Endocet (325 mg/10mg), a brand name for oxycodone. The quantity of the prescription was 360 pills for 30 days.

The grievant expressed concern that the patient may have been diverting narcotics, as the patient had reported she only took 1-2 tablets a day, while the pharmacy reported the patient had the prescription filled every 30 days "like clockwork" and paid cash for the name brand, declining the insurance-covered generic.

On or about July 27, 2023, a report was completed that indicated concerns about Luckett's prescribing and recommended a review of 18 patient charts. After a detailed review, a board consultant found Luckett to be below the minimum standard in four of the 18 charts reviewed.

Luckett responded to the board review on or about Jan. 12, stating he had re-emphasized with staff to obtain KASPER reports every three months, to look for instances where patients fill prescriptions for controlled drugs in more than one month quantities, and that urine drug screens must be performed on patients receiving prescriptions for controlled drugs no less than every six months, among other steps to monitor prescriptions for narcotics.

The report states that as Luckett "discussed in his initial response letter, he has evaluated this issue with and taken guidance from more than one psychiatrist, and he continues to evaluate the issue on a patient-by-patient basis."

After reviewing Luckett's response, the board consultant changed her opinion on three of charts, no longer finding them below the minimum standard, but did not change her opinion that the one patient received care below minimum standards.

In addition to having his license placed on probation, Luckett agreed to several stipulations, including that he shall maintain a "controlled substances log" for all controlled substances prescribed, dispensed or otherwise utilized, shall permit the board's agents to inspect the log upon request, shall reimburse board for all costs related to the consultant's review, and that he agrees that two favorable reviews must be performed before the board will consider a request to terminate the order.

Luckett is also required to enroll in a Proper Prescribing Course, complete and pass all components of the course, and enroll in the Pro Be Program offered through the Center for Personalized Education for Professionals and "unconditionally pass" the program. He must also reimburse the board $1,050 for costs related to the board action.

The order states that if Luckett violates any term or condition of the order, his practice will constitute an immediate danger to the public health, safety or welfare.

Luckett does not have staff privileges at Owensboro Health, confirmed Brain Hamby, OH's director of marketing and public relations.

Luckett, who is also chairman of the Owensboro Public Schools board, did not respond to a request for an interview.