MINNEAPOLIS — A stunning revelation of pharmacy malpractice has led to a substantial payout for Coborn’s Pharmacy Inc. The company, doing business as Coborn’s Pharmacy, is set to fork over $225,000 in civil penalties after allegations that its negligence facilitated the theft of opioids by one of its employees.
United States Attorney Erica MacDonald announced the settlement, pointing out that the period between 2011 and 2015 saw a failure on the part of Coborn’s Pharmacy to adequately monitor employee conduct. The pharmacy was also accused of not maintaining complete and accurate records of controlled substances like oxycodone and hydrocodone, leading to the fabrication of patient accounts and false prescriptions by a pharmacist in charge.
According to the allegations, the pharmacist exploited a gap in Coborn’s Pharmacy’s computerized prescription management system, which did not consistently identify cash prescriptions. This enabled the diversion of hundreds of doses of opioids for personal use over several years.
Following the discovery of the theft, Coborn’s Pharmacy reported the incident to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), leading to a federal investigation. The pharmacist in charge ultimately pleaded guilty to Obtaining Controlled Substances by Fraud. Since then, the pharmacy has taken steps to improve its recordkeeping and compliance program.
“Prescription drug diversion can lead to devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities,” said U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald. “Pharmacies must uphold their obligation to ensure that these dangerous drugs are tracked and safeguarded in compliance with the Controlled Substances Act’s strict requirements.”
The DEA Omaha Division Diversion Program Manager, William Stockmann, emphasized the importance of pharmacies in ensuring medication integrity. “As seen with this pharmacist, opioid addiction and abuse can affect anyone,” he said.
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Key Facts
- State: Minnesota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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