DEA to Fraud Doc: No Pills for You, Ever
Published Date: 10/21/2025
Notice
Summary
Dr. Enyibuaku Uzoaga from Houston wanted a DEA registration to prescribe controlled substances, but the DEA denied her because she’s been kicked out of Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal health programs due to health care fraud. After a hearing and review, the DEA confirmed the denial, meaning she can’t legally get this registration anytime soon. This decision affects Dr. Uzoaga’s ability to work with controlled drugs and impacts her medical practice and income.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
DEA Registration Denied for Dr. Uzoaga
The DEA denied Enyibuaku Uzoaga, M.D.'s application for a DEA Certificate of Registration and any other pending application in Texas. The denial follows her November 3, 2015 conviction, a 42-month prison sentence imposed March 24, 2016, restitution of $389,294.99, and a mandatory exclusion from Medicare, Medicaid, and all federal health care programs effective August 18, 2016 for a minimum of fifteen years (affirmed June 21, 2017). The Order is effective November 20, 2025, and prevents her from legally obtaining DEA registration to handle controlled substances, which affects her ability to practice and earn income from prescribing controlled drugs.
DEA Authority to Deny Registrations for Excluded Providers
The DEA reaffirmed that, under 21 U.S.C. 824(a)(5), it may deny or revoke a practitioner's registration if the practitioner has been excluded from participation in Medicare, Medicaid, or any federal health care program under 42 U.S.C. 1320a-7(a). The Agency also noted it may deny registrations on that basis even if the underlying conviction is unrelated to controlled substances.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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