United States Drug Enforcement Administration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Philip Yen, M.D. has agreed to pay the United States $125,000 to resolve allegations that he failed to comply with federal statutory requirements related to his role as the Drug Enforcement Administration registrant at Sutter Imaging Capitol Pavilion, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris announced today.

Dr. Yen is a radiologist employed by Sutter Medical Group. From 2018 to 2024, he was the DEA registrant at Capitol Pavilion, which is located at 2725 Capitol Avenue, next to Sutter Medical Center, in Sacramento. As the registrant, Dr. Yen was required by the Controlled Substances Act to keep detailed records related to Capitol Pavilion’s receipt and dispensing of controlled substances, to ensure that controlled substances including opioids and other addictive and dangerous drugs were maintained, recorded, and documented properly in order to prevent their diversion.

An inspection conducted in 2022 of controlled substance records at Capitol Pavilion identified multiple recordkeeping violations at the facility. Other evidence developed that Dr. Yen was not adequately trained regarding the role and responsibilities of a DEA registrant, and that Sutter staff was aware of the risk of diversion of controlled substances from Capitol Pavilion.

In addition to paying civil monetary penalties, Dr. Yen has agreed to complete comprehensive training on his obligations under the CSA as a registrant, including recordkeeping requirements and effective controls against theft and diversion.

“Healthcare facilities and their employees are entrusted to handle dangerous drugs with care,” said Acting US Attorney Beckwith. “Compliance with the CSA and its recordkeeping requirements is critical to preventing diversion and protecting the public.”

“Controlled substance recordkeeping requirements are an essential line of defense against prescription drug diversion. Every dose must be accounted for to prevent misuse and save lives,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris. “The DEA will continue to pursue healthcare providers who are not in compliance with mandatory regulations.”

The investigation was conducted by the DEA Tactical Diversion Squad. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emilia P. E. Morris handled the case for the United States.

The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

The settlement agreement can be found here.