Doctor Focus of Painkiller Inquiry

State and local authorities are investigating Oxnard physician Michael B. Huff after receiving complaints that the doctor overprescribed addictive painkillers, including OxyContin, a powerful opiate implicated recently in a number of drug deaths.

Officials confirmed that Huff, 54, is the focus of a multi-agency probe that includes the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, the Medical Board of California and the state’s Medi-Cal fraud unit. No charges have been filed, and officials from those agencies declined comment.

Sheriff’s investigators executed search warrants at Huff’s Oxnard office twice last week, said Huff’s attorney, James Farley. Farley said investigators appeared to be looking for evidence that Huff overprescribed narcotics for some patients in his family practice.

Farley dismissed the accusation as “rumors” and said his client -- a past president of the Ventura County Medical Assn. -- denies he has acted improperly in any way.

“The doctor is involved in pain management,” Farley said. “And for some reason or other, the medical community is suspicious of that.”

Some physicians are reluctant to prescribe narcotics out of fear their patients can easily become addicted. But others contend it is unethical for a physician to ignore pain that can be treated.

The introduction of OxyContin a few years ago has made doctors even more wary. The narcotic, known as “hillbilly heroin” because its abuse first surfaced in Appalachia, has been linked to more than 100 deaths since 1998.

Its quick, heroin-like high has made it a prized substance for addicts who crush the pills and snort the powder.

In Ventura County, officials say OxyContin has become popular among teenagers. Nationally, law enforcement’s response to the abuse of such drugs has made doctors less willing to provide them to those with a legitimate need. That puts Huff at odds with local law enforcement, Farley contends.

“He’s got some people who are in a great deal of pain physically,” Farley said. “Well, if you’re hurting so bad you’re going to kill yourself, a pill might help.”

State records show that Huff received his medical degree from the University of Guadalajara, Mexico, in 1977. He was licensed to practice in California three years later.

In addition to the medical association board, Huff is a member of a county committee that makes recommendations on how to spend $11 million annually in tobacco settlement funds.

On Thursday, Huff was receiving patients at his office on 4th Street. He declined an interview, referring all questions to Farley.

*

Times staff writer Steve Chawkins contributed to this report.