Oakland Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente paid $850,000 to settle allegations that one of the system's pharmacies in Modesto, Calif., violated the Controlled Substances Act, according to a release from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
The pharmacy allegedly filled prescriptions that were incomplete and failed to maintain records with accurate dosage and patient information. Additionally, the DEA identified discrepancies between the pharmacy's purchasing and dispensing records and the actual amount of controlled substances on hand.
"One purpose of the CSA is to ensure that pharmacies maintain accurate records to minimize the chance of diversion of powerful and potentially addictive drugs, which wreak havoc on our communities and destroy live," said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. "Large pharmacy chains and health care conglomerates like Kaiser dispense a high volume of controlled substances to customers and members. Strict compliance with the CSA's recordkeeping provisions by these entities is imperative."
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