A psychiatrist described as a close friend and maternal figure to Anna Nicole Smith repeatedly prescribed excessive amounts of sedatives and opiates despite the model's history of substance abuse, an expert testified Monday.
The expert told a judge hearing evidence against Dr. Khristine Eroshevich and two others that medical and pharmacy records indicated at least five instances in which the psychiatrist overprescribed Valium, Vicodin or other drugs in the three years leading up to Smith's death.
The treatment, Dr. Timothy Botello concluded, represented "an extreme departure" from the normal standard of care.
Superior Court Judge Robert J. Perry will determine whether prosecutors have enough evidence to try Eroshevich; Smith's internist, Dr. Sandeep Kapoor; and Smith's boyfriend, Howard K. Stern, for illegally furnishing the onetime Playboy playmate with prescription medication. All three have pleaded not guilty.
Eroshevich, 61, lived next door to Smith in Studio City. The two socialized and even shared holiday meals, according to the testimony of other witnesses at the hearing.
