By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law
In September 2012, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) revoked the controlled substance licenses from two CVS pharmacies in Sanford, Florida. Details into the investigation were made public on October 12, 2012, in a final order released by the DEA.
The order explains how the stores operated, whom they prescribed painkillers such as oxycodone to, and identified Central Florida’s top-prescribing doctors.
To read the final order from the DEA, click here.
I previously wrote about the two Sanford CVS stores losing their controlled substance licenses, click here to read that blog.
Testimonies from Employees Allegedly Explained Pharmacies’ Operating System.
The final order reveals testimonies from pharmacy personnel. In a press release from the DEA the pharmacist-in-charge at one of the Sanford stores told drug agents the stores would set a limit each morning on the number of oxycodone prescriptions they would fill based on the inventory. Once the limit was reached, the pharmacy would tell customers they were “out of stock,” even when they had inventory. The pharmacist told agents the reserved inventory was for their “real pain patients.”
Warning Signs.
Employees told drug agents that their customers would ask for oxycodone using street slang such as “the M’s” or “the blues.” Oxycodone was also allegedly dispensed frequently to customers who lived out of state, obtained prescriptions from South Florida doctors, and had the prescriptions filled in Seminole County.
Click here to read the press release from the DEA.
More Stings May Be Coming.
The Walgreens distribution center in Jupiter, Florida, is currently fighting its own war with the DEA. On October 17, 2012, the biggest pharmacy retailer in Florida filed a petition
asking a federal judge to lift an immediate suspension order (ISO) banning the center from shipping controlled substances to its stores in Florida and on the East Coast. To read more on that story, click here.
Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in Representing Pharmacies and Pharmacists.
The Health Law Firm represents pharmacists and pharmacies in DEA investigations, regulatory matters, licensing issues, litigation, administrative hearings, inspections and audits. The firm’s attorneys include those who are board certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law as well as licensed health professionals who are also attorneys.
To contact The Health Law Firm please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.
Comments?
What do you think of the DEA’s decision? As a pharmacist how to do you regulate prescriptions for painkillers? Please leave any thoughtful comments below.
Sources:
Pavuk, Amy. “Rx for Danger: DEA Blasts CVS for Ignoring ‘Red Flags’ at Sanford Stores.” Orlando Sentinel. (October 28, 2012). From: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/health/os-cvs-dea-oxycodone-ban-20121028,0,5395839.story
Drug Enforcement Administration. “Holiday CVS Final Order Reveals Gross Negligence By
Two CVS Pharmacies in Stanford, Florida.” DEA.gov. (October 15, 2012). Press Release From: http://www.justice.gov/dea/divisions/mia/2012/mia101512.shtml
About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.
“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
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