CVS Fined $535,000 For Filling Fake Opioid Prescriptions

WOONSOCKET, RI — CVS Health has been ordered to pay $535,000 after being accused of filling dozens of fraudulent opioid prescriptions. Federal investigators alleged that the Rhode Island-based pharmacy giant violated the federal Control Substance Act.

According to the U.S. Attorney's office, Rhode Island CVS stores filled thirty-nine fraudulent prescriptions for Percocet, which is classified as a schedule II narcotic. Pharmacists reportedly knew the prescriptions were fake at the time they were filled.

"DEA registrants like CVS have a corresponding responsibility to dispense controlled substances in accordance with the Controlled Substance Act," DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle said in a release. "Pharmacies put patients at risk when they dispense Schedule II narcotics, which have the highest potential for abuse, without a valid and legal prescription. Today’s settlement demonstrates DEA’s commitment to work with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to ensure that these rules and regulations are followed."

Under federal law, responsibility for the prescription and distribution of medications with a high risk of addiction is equally shared between prescribing physicians and pharmacists, who are tasked with ensuring prescriptions are valid and necessary prior to filling them.

While CVS agreed to pay the fine, the company has denied any wrongdoing in the incident, the U.S. Attorney's office said. It is not known which pharmacy locations were involved i the investigation.