Fort Myers Naples, FL, August 28, 2026 — The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has revoked the registration of Joan Rubinger, a nurse practitioner who specialized in pain management and reportedly treated elite athletes in the United States. The action follows allegations that Rubinger illegally prescribed thousands of opioid pills.

In addition to the revocation of her DEA registration, Rubinger has paid $1.4 million to resolve civil charges. These charges accuse her of dispensing controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose.

According to the DEA, the alleged activities involved a scheme described by the agency as ‘covert and slinking.’ This operation is said to have involved patients located across more than 20 states.

Rubinger, identified as a nurse practitioner and pain specialist, had focused her practice on treating athletes. The details surrounding the specific dates of the alleged prescribing and the timeline of the DEA’s investigation were not provided. The revocation of her registration means she can no longer legally prescribe controlled substances in the U.S.

The settlement of civil charges also addresses the serious accusations. The financial penalty of $1.4 million was paid to settle these civil claims, distinct from any potential criminal proceedings that may or may not have occurred or been pursued.

The DEA’s allegations point to a broad reach for the alleged illegal activity, impacting individuals in numerous states. The nature of the controlled substances prescribed and the exact quantity of ‘thousands’ of illegal opioid pills were not specified in the available information.


Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.

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