Telehealth Company Faces Legal Action for ADHD Treatment Practices
Telehealth Giant Done Global Accused of Improper Adderall Distribution
Federal prosecutors have charged Done Global Inc., a prominent telehealth company, with improperly distributing over 40 million Adderall pills without adequately diagnosing patients with ADHD. This revelation could disrupt treatment for tens of thousands of people across the U.S. who rely on telehealth services for ADHD management.
Allegations Against Done Global Inc.
According to a federal indictment, Done Global’s executives—CEO Ruthia He and Clinical President David Brody—exploited the COVID-19 pandemic to profit from ADHD treatments. The company reportedly:
- Rushed ADHD Diagnoses: Conducted brief telehealth consultations, sometimes without video or audio interaction, before prescribing medication.
- Auto-Refill Policy: Enrolled patients in automatic monthly medication refills without thorough follow-ups.
- Improper Practices: Pressured healthcare providers to limit appointments to under 30 minutes, allegedly leading to prescriptions written without legitimate medical purposes.
- Document Destruction: Used encrypted messaging platforms and failed to comply with grand jury subpoenas.
Prosecutors claim the scheme defrauded taxpayers and fueled addiction, resulting in a potential $100 million scam.
Implications for ADHD Patients and Telehealth
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 20,000 to 50,000 ADHD patients could face disruptions in their treatment due to these allegations. This comes amid a nationwide shortage of Adderall and rising concerns about counterfeit medications laced with dangerous substances like fentanyl.
Experts warn that improper ADHD assessments and a lack of follow-up care could lead to:
- Misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.
- Increased risks of misuse or illegal resale of stimulant medications.
- Heightened stigma for people seeking ADHD treatment.
Dr. Craig Surman of Massachusetts General Hospital emphasized the importance of thorough evaluations, which typically require 90 minutes to differentiate ADHD from other conditions.
Telehealth Policies Under Scrutiny
The case also raises questions about the future of telehealth for ADHD care. The Ryan Haight Act requires in-person evaluations before prescribing controlled substances, but this requirement was temporarily lifted during the pandemic to improve access to care. The extension of telehealth policies through 2024 has made treatment more accessible but has also created opportunities for misuse.
Health officials, including Attorney General Merrick Garland, reaffirmed their commitment to cracking down on fraud in telemedicine, ensuring digital healthcare meets ethical and legal standards.
Understanding ADHD and Its Treatment
ADHD affects nearly 10% of children and 4.4% of adults in the U.S., according to the CDC. Common symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can significantly impact daily life, relationships, and work.
Stimulant medications like Adderall are a cornerstone of ADHD treatment but must be prescribed responsibly. Improper practices, such as those alleged against Done Global, jeopardize patient safety and undermine trust in telehealth services.
The Road Ahead for ADHD Treatment
As telehealth continues to play a vital role in mental health care, this case serves as a warning for companies to prioritize patient safety and compliance with legal standards. It underscores the need for balanced policies that expand access to care while ensuring accountability.
