Clovis Pharmacy Owner Agrees To Pay $200,000 In Civil Penalties To Resolve Controlled Substances Act Claims
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Khoa Tan Huynh, owner of the Script Life Pharmacy in Clovis, has agreed to pay the United States $200,000 to settle civil claims for statutory violations occurring at the pharmacy, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge John J. Martin announced today.
According to the settlement agreement, in June 2013, an audit revealed multiple violations of the Controlled Substances (CSA). The government contends that between June 6, 2011, and December 31, 2012, Script Life Pharmacy accepted and filled prescriptions that lacked required information, including the prescribers’ DEA registration numbers and signatures. In addition, the audit demonstrated shortages of several controlled substances, along with overages of several others.
“Abuse of prescription drugs is a significant societal problem. Pharmacies must take great care to ensure that controlled substances do not end up in the wrong hands. This settlement underscores the federal commitment to holding accountable dispensaries of controlled substances,” said U.S. Attorney Wagner.
The Controlled Substances (CSA) authorizes the Drug Enforcement (DEA) to regulate controlled substances to create a “closed” system of distribution that provides the legitimate drug industry with a unified approach to narcotic and dangerous drug control. The CSA establishes a classification system for all controlled substances, including prescription medications, based upon the potential for abuse, dependence profile, and medicinal value of the drugs. The CSA and its implementing regulations mandate that prescriptions for controlled substances include certain critical information and require pharmacies to maintain certain records and inventories of these controlled substances; these controls allow the DEA to protect the distribution system and prevent drug diversion and abuse.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Catherine Swann, and it results from an investigatory audit by the DEA Fresno Diversion Group.
