Home » US business news » CVS Fined $1.5m Over Safety And Understaffing

CVS Fined $1.5m Over Safety And Understaffing

By Nithya Bose in US business news, posted March 4, 2024

Ohio regulators have fined CVS Health over $1.5 million for understaffing and patient safety issues.

The State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy’s penalty resolves 27 cases from inspections at 22 CVS pharmacies across Ohio from 2020 to 2023.

It highlights various safety violations, including mishandling of drugs, prescription errors, and untidiness, among others.

These inspections revealed inadequate drug security, mistakes in dispensing medications, delays in processing prescriptions, general lack of cleanliness, insufficient staff levels, and unreported losses of controlled substances.

This action is part of broader efforts to address labor challenges affecting pharmacies nationwide.

In November, some pharmacy workers protested over staffing shortages and increasing job demands.

CVS will pay a $1.25 million fine and an additional $250,000 over three years to fund the board's enhanced oversight efforts.

Eight CVS locations in Ohio will undergo a three-year probation period.

Poorly maintained and disorganized drug storage areas and prescription errors

Specific incidents cited include a Toledo store where inspectors found poorly maintained and disorganized drug storage areas.

The store also received complaints over prescription errors and medication dispensed to the wrong customer.

CVS will designate a licensed Ohio pharmacist as a compliance liaison to improve compliance with state and federal regulations.

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Steven W. Schierholt, The Ohio Board of Pharmacy's executive director, said: “By entering into this settlement agreement, the board seeks immediate and systemic changes to protect patients and address critical understaffing.”

“We believe that this agreement is an acknowledgment by CVS that considerable changes are warranted to ensure the safe practice of pharmacy at their retail stores.”

CVS Health, which operates around 350 stores in Ohio, has previously faced fines for similar issues.

In 2020, the chain was hit with a $125,000 penalty in Oklahoma for understaffing and prescription errors at four pharmacies.

A CVS Health spokeswoman, Amy Thibault, said the firm is “pleased to have reached an agreement with the Ohio Board of Pharmacy regarding years-old allegations involving some of our Ohio pharmacies.

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