Psychiatrist investigated for fraud in Iceland after prescribing medications for deceased patient

A psychiatrist is under investigation for suspected fraud after he reportedly wrote prescriptions for a deceased patient and documented her vital signs. The doctor, who lost his medical license last year, continued to issue prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances to a woman who passed away in 2014. His last recorded appointment with her was also in 2014, but he continued to sign off on increased medication dosages until the concerns were raised in 2023.

Documentation submitted by the psychiatrist to regulatory authorities included detailed notes about the deceased woman, describing her physical and mental health in a disability application three years after her death. Descriptions included claims of emotional distress and various health issues, raising alarms among investigators.

The psychiatrist, who has held several prominent positions in healthcare and medical organizations in Iceland, claimed he was misled by a fraudulent individual into prescribing medications for the deceased.

Additional irregularities in the doctor’s notes have also been identified. They include discrepancies in appointment documentation, such as a note dated just hours before a claimed visit and one prepared a day prior. Investigators believe many of the doctor’s billings to the Icelandic National Insurance were entirely unfounded, potentially resulting in illegal costs to the government.

The psychiatrist has repaid the fees he received for these consultations. After losing his license, he appealed the decision, claiming never before has a case showed such serious violations of medical duties. Concerns about his ability to practice medicine remain under scrutiny as a police investigation continues, revolving around a Russian-speaking man implicated in this fraudulent scheme who deceived multiple institutions over several years.