ATLANTA - MBA Wellness Centers, LLC, a methadone clinic located in Stockbridge, Georgia, has agreed to pay a civil settlement of $100,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the recordkeeping requirements of the Controlled Substances Act. MBA Wellness Centers, LLC, also has agreed to additional oversight from the DEA.
“Dispensing controlled substances without providing a valid prescription risks patient health and safety, and creates a risk that those substances will not be used for legitimate medical purposes," said U.S. Attorney John Horn. “At a time when our district and the nation are facing a growing problem with the illegal diversion of controlled substances, our office is committed to enforcing the requirements of the Controlled Substances Act."
Daniel R. Salter, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division commented, “MBA Wellness Centers, LLC spun a web of deception when it failed to maintain accurate recordkeeping of its inventory. Such careless behavior allows for substances to be diverted and sold on the black market with no true measure of accountability. This civil penalty is a proactive step that DEA Diversion and its federal, state and local partners can take to discourage other negligent Narcotic Treatment Programs from engaging in such behavior."
The government alleges that MBA Wellness Centers, LLC, failed to keep accurate records of controlled substances and dispensed controlled substances to patients without a valid prescription from a physician. The claims settled are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Congress enacted the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. §§ 801-904, to deter the illegal importation, manufacture, distribution, possession, and improper use of controlled substances, including prescription medications. Under the Controlled Substances Act, individuals and entities registered with the DEA are required to maintain complete and accurate records of all controlled substances and security systems so that no controlled substances are lost, stolen, or inappropriately dispensed. Violations of the recordkeeping requirements subject DEA registrants to civil monetary penalties of up to $14,502 for each violation. Dispensing a controlled substance without a valid prescription from a practitioner subjects DEA registrants to civil monetary penalties of up to $62,500 for each violation.
This case was investigated by Diversion Investigators from the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The civil settlement was reached by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David O’Neal and Lena Amanti.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
