Keyword: 'opioid' | Herald Community Newspapers

From methadone to oxycodone, people who face opioid use disorder have been obtaining multiple opioid prescriptions outside their treatment programs, according to a recent audit released by New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.

State finds lax oversight of opioid scripts

The state comptroller has found that Medicaid patients in treatment for opioid addiction are being prescribed opioids outside of the programs, because of lax monitoring by health officials and prescribers. Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli released an audit of state opioid treatment programs on Nov. 26, and shared his concerns with the Department of Health. more

By Frank Luisi | 12/13/18

Dr. Michael Belfiore, left, and his attorney, Tom Liotti, in front of the federal courthouse in Central Islip.

Attorney defends his work representing convicted Merrick doctor

Tom Liotti fired back last week after being accused of providing ineffective counsel to his former client, Merrick physician Dr. Michael Belfiore. more

By Erik Hawkins | 11/9/18

Vote for Melissa Miller in 20th Assembly District

In the nearly two years that Atlantic Beach resident Melissa Miller has been a state assemblywoman, she has learned that government moves at a glacial pace — which Miller, the mother of a special-needs child, finds frustrating. more

11/1/18

Dr. Michael Belfiore, left, and his attorney, Tom Liotti, outside the federal courthouse in Central Islip in May.

Convicted Merrick doctor wants new trial or plea deal

Dr. Michael Belfiore, who practiced in Merrick, was convicted in May on 28 federal charges related to his prescribing of opioids — including causing the deaths of two patients. Still in custody pending sentencing, Belfiore filed a motion last week to have the guilty verdict overturned. more

By Erik Hawkins | 10/25/18

In a Purdue Pharma video shared with the Herald last year by attorney Tom Liotti, a doctor, pictured in a still, extolled the virtues of opioid pain medications such as OxyContin. New York joined dozens of states, as well as Nassau and Suffolk counties, last week in suing the drug manufacturer for allegedly misleading doctors and the public about opioids and their dangers.

New York State joins fight against Purdue Pharma

New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood last week joined dozens of states and New York counties in suing OxyContin manufacturer Purdue Pharma for its alleged role in causing the opioid crisis. more

By Erik Hawkins | 8/23/18

Belfiore last month with his former attorney, Tom Liotti, right. Belfiore is working with a new defense team. He remains in prison, pending his sentencing in October.

Convicted Merrick doctor's supporters raise funds for appeal

Supporters of Dr. Michael Belfiore, whose Merrick medical practice closed last month after he was convicted on federal criminal charges, are raising funds online for him to appeal his conviction. more

By Erik Hawkins | 7/12/18

Demystifying Anthony Bourdain

My brief viewer-host relationship with Anthony Bourdain took a nosedive in May 2013, a month after his CNN travel-food show, “Parts Unknown,” premiered. more

6/28/18

Ling Huang, of Salisbury, and rising senior Nicole Homburger, of Bellmore are conducting research in forensic science to alleviate the burden of the nation-wide opioid epidemic.

Hofstra professor and student use chemistry to tackle the opioid epidemic

A chemistry professor at Hofstra University and his pupil are conducting research in forensic science to alleviate the burden of the nation-wide opioid epidemic. more

By Brian Stieglitz | 6/21/18

Dr. Michael Belfiore, right, seen with his defense attorney Tom Liotti, was found guilty on 26 counts of improperly prescribing opioids, and for two overdose deaths, on Wednesday.

'Drug dealer' doctor convicted on 26 opioid, two overdose death charges

Dr. Michael Belfiore, a Merrick physician charged with writing hundreds of opioid prescriptions for profit and causing the deaths of two South Shore men was found guilty on all 28 charges late Wednesday afternoon, after a five-week trial. more

By Erik Hawkins | 5/23/18

Merrick doctor convicted on 26 opioid, two overdose death charges

Dr. Michael Belfiore, a Merrick physician charged with writing hundreds of opioid prescriptions for profit and causing the deaths of two South Shore men was found guilty on all 28 charges late Wednesday afternoon, after a five-week trial. more

By Erik Hawkins | 5/23/18