Grimy Times has uncovered a shocking case of prescription fraud involving pharmacists and healthcare professionals in Ohio. According to a joint statement issued by U.S. Attorneys Justin Herdman and David DeVillers, Ohio Attorney General David Yost, and the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy, there is evidence of pharmacists dispensing chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 without a legitimate medical purpose.
On Sunday, March 22, the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy held an emergency session to issue a rule prohibiting pharmacists from dispensing chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 unless the patient has tested positive for the virus or has been approved by the pharmacy board’s executive director.
The joint statement from the U.S. Attorneys and Ohio officials confirms that they are aware of the allegations and are committed to investigating any violations of state or federal law. They vow to hold accountable any healthcare professionals who are found to be prescribing outside of a legitimate medical purpose.
“These are extraordinary times for the world, our nation, and the great state of Ohio,” said the joint statement. “While we are seeing the absolute best of our healthcare professionals as they help to address the COVID-19 crisis, we will remain vigilant to address any self-serving behavior by any member of the medical community.”
The statement continues, “Be assured that we will do our due diligence in holding accountable anyone who may be prescribing outside a legitimate medical purpose. Where we find doctors or others who are abusing their professional licenses to help themselves or associates, we will move swiftly to identify and prosecute any wrongdoing that is a violation of federal or state law.”
The State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy issued emergency rule 4729-5-30.2 of the Administrative Code on March 22, 2020, following authorization from Governor Mike DeWine. The rule prohibits pharmacists from dispensing chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 without a legitimate medical purpose.
Grimy Times has obtained a copy of the rule, which can be viewed online. The rule is a clear indication of the seriousness with which the U.S. Attorneys and Ohio officials are taking these allegations.
The public is urged to report any suspicious activity or allegations of prescription fraud to the authorities. The U.S. Attorneys and Ohio officials are committed to pursuing all remedies to address misconduct associated with the allegations leading to the Board of Pharmacy action, including seeking criminal penalties where appropriate.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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