Florida
Fort Walton Beach Gastroenterologist Dr Twan Phanijphand Agrees to $300,000 Opioid Prescription Settlement
Pensacola, Florida – Dr. Twan Phanijphand, M.D., a gastroenterologist located in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, agreed to pay $300,000 to resolve allegations that he unlawfully prescribed opioids and other controlled substances in violation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
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Key points
- Dr. Twan Phanijphand paid $300,000 to resolve allegations of violating the Controlled Substances Act.
- The physician allegedly issued at least 127 unlawful prescriptions without maintaining patient records.
- Phanijphand voluntarily surrendered his DEA registration and agreed to future practice restrictions.
NewsWK — A Fort Walton Beach doctor opioid settlement will resolve a federal investigation into prescription drug violations in Northwest Florida.
Why it matters
Prescription drug abuse remains a major public safety concern across Escambia County and Santa Rosa County. Consequently, federal authorities closely monitor medical professionals to ensure compliance with the Controlled Substances Act. This case highlights the strict oversight of prescription records to protect local communities from the diversion of highly addictive substances.
What did the Fort Walton Beach doctor opioid settlement reveal?
Federal officials announced that Dr Twan Phanijphand agreed to pay $300,000 to resolve allegations of unlawful prescribing. The government alleged that the Fort Walton Beach physician issued at least 127 controlled substance prescriptions without keeping patient records. Therefore, the doctor faced significant civil penalties under the Controlled Substances Act.
Special Agent in Charge Daniel Escobar led the DEA’s Tampa Field Division during the investigation. Specifically, investigators focused on prescriptions written between June 15, 2023, and March 7, 2025. During this period, Twan Phanijphand MD allegedly prescribed several controlled substances without proper documentation.
These medications included:
- Oxycodone-acetaminophen and hydrocodone-acetaminophen
- Lorazepam and alprazolam
- Clonazepam and tramadol
How does the Fort Walton Beach gastroenterologist lawsuit affect his practice?
As part of the agreement, the physician must accept strict limitations on his medical practice. Specifically, he voluntarily surrendered his DEA registration on April 22, 2026. He also agreed not to reapply for Schedule II or Schedule IIN registrations. Furthermore, he must submit to additional federal monitoring.
Additionally, the settlement requires the doctor to complete continuing medical education. This training must focus on controlled substance prescribing and proper recordkeeping. Assistant United States Attorney Mary Ann Couch represented the government. Meanwhile, United States Attorney John P. Heekin announced the final agreement on September 21, 2026.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
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