Sacramento, CA – The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced a significant settlement with Rite Aid Corporation and its affiliates regarding allegations of unlawfully dispensing opioid prescriptions.
Under the False Claims Act (FCA) and Controlled Substances Act (CSA), Rite Aid has agreed to pay a total of $409,368,524 in penalties and damages. The settlement also includes a Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA) with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG) to address future compliance.
Key Allegations:
- Unlawful Prescriptions: Rite Aid knowingly dispensed hundreds of thousands of opioid prescriptions that lacked a legitimate medical purpose or were not issued in the usual course of professional practice.
- Ignored Red Flags: The company continued to fill prescriptions despite clear warnings from pharmacists about suspicious prescribers and excessive dosages.
- Deleted Records: Rite Aid intentionally deleted internal notes related to suspicious prescribers.
Settlement Terms:
- Financial Penalties: Rite Aid will pay $236,090,058 in CSA penalties and $167,973,926 in FCA damages.
- Corporate Integrity Agreement: Rite Aid will implement measures to prevent future violations, including an Independent Review Organization and additional employee training.
- DEA Agreement: The company will also enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to enhance communication and reporting protocols.
Impact on Local Communities
This settlement highlights the ongoing opioid crisis and the importance of addressing prescription drug abuse. While the specific impact on the Rio Linda community may vary, it is essential to be aware of the risks associated with opioid medications and to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction.
For more information on resources and support related to opioid addiction, please visit the following websites:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/
- National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD): https://ncaddnational.org/
