DOJ Sues CVS for Unlawfully Dispensing Opioids Over a Decade, Alleging Profits Over Safety and Billing Federal Health Insurance Programs

Dec 19, 2024, 02:10 AM

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a civil lawsuit against CVS Health Corp., accusing the pharmacy chain of unlawfully dispensing controlled substances, including opioids, over a period exceeding a decade. The lawsuit alleges that CVS knowingly filled invalid prescriptions and billed federal health insurance programs for these illegal transactions, contributing to the nationwide opioid crisis. The DOJ's complaint highlights that CVS pharmacies were short-staffed and ignored warnings from pharmacists regarding suspicious prescriptions. The suit was unsealed on December 18, 2024, and claims that CVS prioritized profits over public health and safety, facilitating the unlawful sale of prescription opioids while failing to adhere to the federal Controlled Substances Act.