Justice Department Sues Walgreens for Allegedly Dispensing Millions of Unlawful Prescriptions
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against pharmacy giant Walgreens, alleging that the company knowingly filled millions of prescriptions that lacked a legitimate medical purpose, were not valid, and/or were not issued in the usual course of professional practice from August 2012 until the present.
Feds Accuse Walgreens of Ignoring Red Flags
According to the DOJ, Walgreens pharmacists filled millions of prescriptions with “clear red flags that indicated the prescriptions were highly likely to be unlawful.” The company allegedly “systematically pressured its pharmacists to fill prescriptions, including controlled substance prescriptions, without taking the time needed to confirm their validity,” allowing millions of opioid pills and other controlled substances to flow illegally out of Walgreens stores.
Patients Died of Overdose Following Invalid Prescriptions
The DOJ alleges that some patients who received invalid prescriptions filled at Walgreens died shortly after, often from overdose. The lawsuit claims that Walgreens prioritized profits over safety and compliance by implementing policies and practices that prevented its pharmacists from exercising their professional judgment and responsibilities.
Lawsuit Details Walgreens’ Practices
The 300-page lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago, alleges that Walgreens:
- Implemented a “Verify By Promise Time” (VBPT) metric, expecting pharmacists to fill prescriptions within 15 minutes, leaving them insufficient time to verify prescription validity;
- Tracked pharmacists who dispensed a low rate of controlled substances through its “Non-Dispensing Pharmacist Report,” which created a culture of fear and intimidation;
- Pressured pharmacists to fill prescriptions quickly, regardless of their concerns about validity or legitimacy.
Walgreens’ Response
In a statement, Walgreens said it is “asking the court to clarify the responsibilities of pharmacies and pharmacists and to protect against the government’s attempt to enforce arbitrary ‘rules’ that do not appear in any law or regulation and never went through any official rulemaking process.” The company claims that it is “standing behind our pharmacists, dedicated healthcare professionals who live in the communities they serve, filling legitimate prescriptions for FDA-approved medications written by DEA-licensed prescribers in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.”
Conclusion
The DOJ’s lawsuit against Walgreens alleges widespread violations of pharmacy practice standards and the illegal dispensing of millions of prescription medications. The case highlights the importance of ensuring that pharmacies prioritize safety and compliance over profits.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the lawsuit?
The purpose of the lawsuit is to hold Walgreens accountable for allegedly dispensing millions of unlawful prescriptions and prioritizing profits over safety and compliance.
What are the alleged practices of Walgreens?
The lawsuit alleges that Walgreens implemented policies and practices that pressured pharmacists to fill prescriptions quickly, ignored red flags, and tracked and intimidated pharmacists who did not comply.
What is the potential outcome of the lawsuit?
The outcome of the lawsuit is uncertain, but it has the potential to lead to significant changes in the way pharmacies operate and prioritize patient safety and compliance with regulations.
What is the significance of this case?
This case is significant because it highlights the importance of ensuring that pharmacies prioritize patient safety and comply with regulations, rather than prioritizing profits. It also underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the pharmacy industry.