Philip Yen, M.D., a radiologist with Sutter Medical Group, has agreed to settle a federal case by paying the U.S. government $125,000 for violations of the Controlled Substances Act at Sutter Imaging Capitol Pavilion in Sacramento. The announcement came from Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith, according to a release by the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California.
Dr. Yen served as the registered DEA official for the Capitol Pavilion from 2018 through 2024, where he was responsible to closely monitor and document the handling of controlled substances, including opioids. However, a 2022 inspection found that there were several instances of recordkeeping violations. In a statement, the Acting US Attorney pointed out that “Healthcare facilities and their employees are entrusted to handle dangerous drugs with care,” and emphasized that “Compliance with the CSA and its recordkeeping requirements is critical to preventing diversion and protecting the public,” as stated by the United States Attorney's Office.
Beyond the financial settlement, Dr. Yen is required to undergo extensive training concerning his duties under the Controlled Substances Act as a registrant, which will include aspects like recordkeeping and implementing effective measures to prevent theft and diversion of controlled substances. Concerns were raised during the investigation regarding Dr. Yen's training on these responsibilities, which were deemed inadequate, as per the United States Attorney's Office.
"Controlled substance recordkeeping requirements are an essential line of defense against prescription drug diversion," DEA Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris said. “Every dose must be accounted for to prevent misuse and save lives,” as per the United States Attorney's Office. The case was managed by the DEA Tactical Diversion Squad with Assistant U.S. Attorney Emilia P. E. Morris handling the proceedings for the United States.
It's important to note that the settlement does not represent an admission of wrongdoing by Dr. Yen; it resolves allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. More details about the settlement agreement can be found within the executed document released by the United States Attorney's office last Friday, titled "dr._yen_settlement_agreement_-_executed_5.30.25.pdf".
