Doctor Censured for Inappropriate Prescribing of Medications in Dublin

A Dublin-based doctor, Dr. Albina Maksimiuk, has been censured by the Medical Council’s fitness-to-practise committee for inappropriately prescribing medications, including those used to treat depression and seizure disorders, to eight adult patients. The inquiry focused on prescriptions issued between 2019 although Dr. Maksimiuk practiced at North Clinic on North Circular Road, Dublin 7, and the Polish Dental Clinic, too on North Circular Road.

Details of the Inappropriate Prescriptions

Ten prescriptions were examined, with five allegations specifically relating to the inappropriate prescribing of benzodiazepines, pregabalin, and Z-drugs. These medications are commonly used for various conditions:

• Benzodiazepines: Used to treat anxiety and depression.
• Pregabalin: An anticonvulsant used for epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and generalized anxiety disorder.
• Z-drugs (zolpidem, zopiclone): Non-benzodiazepine drugs used to treat insomnia.

Doctor’s Response and Undertakings

Dr. Maksimiuk demonstrated remorse and understanding of her errors, cooperating fully with the investigation. She has undertaken several measures to address the deficiencies in her practice, including:

• A commitment to not repeat the conduct that led to the allegations.
• Adherence to appropriate clinical guidelines for prescribing benzodiazepines, pregabalin, and Z-drugs.
• Thorough documentation of the clinical rationale for prescribing these medications.
• Maintaining accurate and contemporaneous patient records.
• Arranging appropriate referrals to psychiatry for patients with anxiety, depression, or psychological disturbances.
• Limiting her practice to paediatrics and refraining from treating or prescribing for adult patients.
• Only working in circumstances where she has sufficient language proficiency.
• Restricting the prescription of benzodiazepines, pregabalin, and Z-drugs to paediatric patients only under the guidance of a hospital-based consultant.
• Maintaining a prescribing log for these drugs for five years and having it reviewed biannually by a qualified practitioner.
• Completing three courses on the management of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs, patient record keeping, and prescribing practices within 12 months.

Background of the Complaint

The Medical Council’s inquiry was initiated following a complaint prompted by an email from Hanover Quay Pharmacy in August 2019. The pharmacy raised concerns about a prescription that appeared to be a poor photocopy and potentially a forgery, prescribing a large quantity of pregabalin.

Doctor’s Background

Dr. Maksimiuk, who is Lithuanian and assisted by a translator during the inquiry, is fluent in Russian and Lithuanian. She previously practiced as a paediatrician at North Clinic while also providing general practitioner services to some adult patients and occasionally working as a locum GP in other practices. The committee determined that confining her practice to paediatrics would adequately protect the public.

Source: Irish Times