Derges' controlled substances license placed on probation

Health care clinic operator Tricia Derges' controlled substances license has been put on probation by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services' Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs.

Derges, who also represents Nixa in the Missouri House of Representatives, late last month reached a settlement with the bureau, which conducted an investigation starting last spring into controlled substance law violations. A copy of the settlement was provided to Springfield Business Journal by the state bureau.

Derges was indicted early last year for an alleged wire fraud scheme and illegally providing prescription drugs to clients. A superseding indictment added additional charges in March, including allegations of receiving Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funds through fraudulent means. Derges has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Derges operates Ozark Valley Medical Clinic and Springfield nonprofit Lift Up Someone Today, which provides low-cost medical and dental services with a mission “dedicated to the care of our poverty-stricken and homeless neighbors," according to past reporting.

According to the settlement with the state narcotics bureau, Derges, a physician assistant, "stated that controlled substance laws were not taught in her medical school and she has not participated in residency." She went to medical school at Caribbean Medical University.

"The violations revealed were not intentional and were because she did not know," the settlement reads. "Once she learned of the violations, she took prompt corrective measures."

The settlement stipulates Derges may make an appeal to the bureau after two years to end her probation early if she can show compliance with controlled substance laws.

The original indictment from early 2021 alleged Derges violated the Controlled Substances Act by distributing oxycodone and Adderall online to people without valid prescriptions.

A jury trial for the alleged criminal activities had been set for last year but was postponed to this summer, according to past reporting.

Derges has not resigned from her position in the Missouri House, despite calls from members of her own party to do so. Derges last year was removed from the House Republican Caucus and stripped of committee assignments.