An Article Summarized by CBS News
Walgreens Boots Alliance has agreed to pay $300 million to settle allegations that it unlawfully filled millions of invalid prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances. According to a complaint filed by the U.S. Department of Justice, Walgreens pharmacists knowingly filled illegitimate prescriptions over more than a decade, including excessive quantities of opioids and dangerous drug combinations known as the “trinity.” The complaint also accuses the pharmacy chain of pressuring employees to prioritize speed over legal compliance, leading to widespread violations of the Controlled Substances Act and the False Claims Act.
The lawsuit, originally filed in January, claimed that Walgreens not only dispensed unlawful prescriptions but also sought reimbursement from federal health programs, compounding the legal violations. While Walgreens denies any wrongdoing and admits no liability, the settlement ends the DOJ’s complaint and a related counterclaim by the company. With over 8,000 locations nationwide, Walgreens’ practices had significant impact amid a national opioid crisis that has claimed more than 700,000 lives since 1999.
For the full article: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/walgreens-300-million-opioids-prescriptions/
