United States Drug Enforcement Administration

OKLAHOMA CITY - On April 30, 2021, a state jury in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma convicted Dr. Regan Nichols of one count of second degree murder in relation to the death of one of her patients.  Nichols was originally charged with five counts of second degree murder in relation to the death of at least five patients during her time working at a Midwest City clinic.

“Using one’s trusted status as a medical professional for unlawful acts cannot go unpunished,” stated Eduardo A. Chavez, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Dallas Field Division. “The Dallas DEA. will always seek justice against those who take advantage of individuals, especially ones who suffer from addiction.”

During a three week trial, state prosecutors presented evidence that Nichols’ reckless prescribing,  without a legitimate medical need resulted in the death of her patients. The five individuals who died were prescribed more than 1,800 opioid pills in the same months as their deaths. Three of the five individuals were prescribed a deadly three drug combination of a narcotic opioid pain reliever, an anti-anxiety drug and a muscle relaxer. The Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s reports stated all five deaths were the result of multi-drug toxicity.

After a September 2015 hearing before the Oklahoma State Board of Osteopathic Examiners, the board stripped Nichols of her prescribing authority of controlled dangerous substances. Nichols voluntarily surrendered her credentials with the Drug Enforcement Administration and Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics.  

The Drug Enforcement Administration wishes to thank the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office and the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office for their efforts in this case.