Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Stephen P. Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, announced that a settlement has been reached with Community Health Pharmacy, LLC, a retail pharmacy located on Dixwell Avenue, New Haven. The pharmacy has agreed to pay $192,000 to resolve allegations related to violations of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
The CSA was established to create a regulated system for controlled substances to prevent their misuse while ensuring medical and scientific needs are met. Compliance with the CSA involves maintaining records and conducting inventories to prevent substance diversion.
From January 1, 2022, to May 14, 2024, Community Health Pharmacy allegedly did not maintain accurate records of controlled substances. Allegations include the failure to conduct biennial inventories, execute a valid power of attorney, and unauthorized signing of DEA Form 222s on multiple occasions. Additionally, the pharmacy reportedly neglected to keep necessary copies of order forms, invoices, and other critical documents and didn't record required information on DEA Form 222s.
"Pharmacies play a unique role in ensuring that controlled substances are properly handled, accounted for, and dispensed," said Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman. "It is vital that pharmacies comply with the recordkeeping requirements of the Controlled Substances Act to help prevent diversion and keep our communities safe. This settlement highlights our office’s continued efforts to hold pharmacies accountable for their responsibilities under federal law."
"DEA registrants are responsible for handling controlled substances responsibly and ensuring that complete and accurate records are being properly kept and accounted for in compliance with the Controlled Substance Act," said Acting DEA Special Agent in Charge Belleau. "We are committed to working with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to ensure that these rules and regulations are followed."
As part of the agreement, Community Health Pharmacy will enter into a three-year Memorandum of Agreement with the DEA to ensure future adherence to the CSA and its regulations.
The investigation was carried out by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Office of Diversion Control, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Drug Control Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Kaczmarek prosecuted the case.