PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — CVS Pharmacy, Inc. has agreed to pay $535,000 to resolve allegations that several pharmacies in Rhode Island filled invalid prescriptions.
An investigation conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island and the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Office of Diversion Control found that 39 prescriptions for Percocet were filled in various CVS locations and that pharmacists had reason to know the prescriptions were forged.
Under the Controlled Substance Act, substances such as painkillers and opioids can only be prescribed for medical purposes by a physician.
According to the law, there is also a “corresponding responsibility” on the pharmacist that is filling the prescription to ensure it is valid and legal.
In a statement, CVS said, “there was no admission of liability or wrongdoing, and we agreed to this settlement to avoid the delay, uncertainty and expense of litigation.”
