(AP) — A change of plea hearing has been scheduled for a Kansas doctor accused of illegally distributing prescription drugs from his Manhattan pain clinic.

Dr. Michael P. Schuster has been in federal custody since he pleaded not guilty to a four-count indictment in May 2013. Schuster is now scheduled to appear Thursday in U.S. District Court in Topeka.

His attorney did not immediately return messages Monday seeking comment on the planned change of plea.

Federal prosecutors allege Schuster allowed unlicensed employees to write prescriptions for strong painkillers while he was traveling, using blank forms that he had signed. Investigators said the practice went on for at least five years.

The government planned to seek forfeiture of money and property linked to the alleged scheme at Schuster’s trial later this year.