CVS Reaches Federal Settlement Over Controlled Substance Violations

The pharmacy giant CVS has agreed to an $8 million federal settlement over allegations that Maryland pharmacies violated federal controlled substances laws, prosecutors said Friday.

“Pharmacies that dispense controlled substances have a duty ensure that prescriptions they fill were issued for legitimate medical purposes,” U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein said in a statement. “Doctors and pharmacists are the gatekeepers of the effort to prevent the abuse and diversion of pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes.”

CVS officials admitted that between 2008 and 2012, some locations in Maryland dispensed substances including oxycodone, fentanyl and hydrocodone in a way not consistent with the law. That included not ensuring that the prescriptions were issued for a legitimate medical purpose.

“The abuse of prescription drugs has rampantly spread throughout our communities,” Drug Enforcement Administration special agent Karl C. Colder said. “This abuse has directly resulted in the escalation of heroin addiction and related overdoses. Today’s settlement sends a clear message to all pharmacies that it is essential to dispense controlled substances in compliance with DEA’s record keeping requirements. DEA is dedicated to combat the prescription drug abuse problem in Maryland and throughout the country and to hold nationwide chains, like CVS, accountable.”