The Justice Department is suing CVS Pharmacy for allegedly filling 'unlawful' prescriptions for controlled substances, including opioids, in violation of the Controlled Substances Act and the False Claims Act. The lawsuit alleges that CVS ignored evidence of improper prescribing practices and facilitated the illegal distribution of highly addictive drugs.
The Justice Department unsealed a civil complaint Wednesday alleging CVS Pharmacy Inc. and various subsidiaries filled “unlawful” prescriptions in violation of the federal Controlled Substances Act . The complaint also says CVS sought reimbursement from federal health care programs for such prescriptions in violation of the False Claims Act. CVS is the largest pharmacy chain in the U.S., where there are more than 9,000 pharmacies.
A representative of CVS said the company has cooperated with the DOJ’s investigation for more than four years, and strongly disagrees with the allegations and what it called the “false narrative” within the complaint. Among the unlawful prescriptions that CVS allegedly filled from Oct. 17, 2013, to the present were for dangerous and excessive quantities of opioids, early fills of opioids, and “trinity” prescriptions — a dangerous combination of drugs made up of an opioid, a benzodiazepine and a muscle relaxant, according to prosecutors. CVS also allegedly filled large quantities of prescriptions for controlled substances written by prescribers it knew to be engaged in “pill mill practices” — that is, prescribers who issue large numbers of controlled substance prescriptions without any medical purpose, investigators said. According to the complaint, CVS ignored substantial evidence from multiple sources, including its own pharmacists and internal data, indicating that its stores were dispensing such prescriptions. “This lawsuit alleges that CVS failed to exercise its critical role as gatekeeper of dangerous prescription opioids and, instead, facilitated the illegal proliferation of these highly addictive drugs, including by pill mill prescribers,” U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha for the District of Rhode Island said in a press releas
CVS Opioids Prescription Drugs Justice Department Controlled Substances Act
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Justice Department: CVS filled 'unlawful prescriptions'The Justice Department has unsealed a civil complaint alleging CVS Pharmacy Inc. and various subsidiaries filled unlawful prescriptions in violation of the federal Controlled Substances Act. Wednesday's complaint also alleges CVS sought reimbursement from federal health care programs for unlawful prescriptions in violation of the False Claims Act.
Read more »
CVS Is Closing More Locations, Starting Next WeekSince becoming a freelance writer in 2019, Emily has developed significant experience covering viral pop culture moments and trending news topics in the health and wellness space, while also writing about mental health, relationships, and smarter living.
Read more »
Say Goodbye to Sex Toys at CVS. Maybe.A new pre-filed bill hopes to protect children from 'premature exposure' by removing sex toys from certain retailers.
Read more »
Missed Connection – Dupont CVSWelcome to the beautiful life
Read more »
Burglars break into lottery machine inside Saratoga CVSSteal cashbox containing almost $1,300.
Read more »
CVS Stores and Banking Hours During Thanksgiving and Black Friday 2024CVS pharmacies and banking services are preparing for Thanksgiving and Black Friday 2024. CVS stores will be operational with drive-thru services available, while banks will close on Thursday but reopen on Friday with shortened hours. Shopping hours for major retailers like Kohl’s will extend significantly on Black Friday, offering early openings.
Read more »