CVS pays $11 million in fines for drug record violations

On Wednesday, CVS Caremark Corp. agreed to a deal to pay $11 million to settle civil allegations pertaining to a series of drug-record violations in Oklahoma, according to federal prosecutors.

The charges, which were brought forward by the Justice Department in federal court, focused on CVS' failure to properly maintain records of every transaction involving prescription drugs. Under the Controlled Substances Act, pharmacies are required to log every dealing that involves such medication, including the Drug Enforcement Administration registration numbers that are connected to the physicians giving out the prescriptions.

It was that caveat that wrought most of the ire from the Justice Department, as investigators claimed that, from 2005 to 2011, CVS facilities in Oklahoma used "dummy" registration numbers to fill out medication orders. Additionally, officials claimed that some prescriptions were filled out under the names of doctors who were no longer acknowledged by the DEA.

Despite the settlement, CVS has claimed no liability for the charges. Meanwhile, federal investigators are promoting the legal victory as a step toward more secure drug regulations.

"This settlement reinforces the responsibilities of all pharmacies to prevent the diversion of dangerous drugs." Daniel Salter, acting special agent in charge of the DEA's Dallas Field Division said in a statement. "This case highlights DEA's steadfast resolve to combat the growing prescription drug abuse problem in this country by ensuring that all DEA registrants, including nationwide pharmacy chains, are in compliance with the law. "

CVS isn't the only company that has been targeted by the DEA as of late. In September, Walgreens was at the center of an investigation resulting in DEA claims that a Florida location put public safety at risk resulting in a restriction on the location's distribution of oxycodone.

Local pharmacies looking the make sure that they are legally protected in the case of such an investigation are encouraged to seek out a Phoenix small business attorney.

Categorised in: Business Law

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