Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, alongside Stephen P. Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, announced a settlement involving Community Health Pharmacy, LLC in New Haven. The pharmacy has agreed to pay $192,000 to address allegations of violations of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
The CSA was established by Congress to create "a closed system" of distribution for controlled substances, ensuring all aspects of handling—from manufacture to consumption—are heavily regulated. The goal has been to prevent diversion and abuse of substances while ensuring supply meets medical and scientific needs. The CSA mandates that entities dispensing controlled substances maintain accurate records and conduct inventories to prevent diversion.
The settlement addresses allegations that between January 1, 2022, and May 14, 2024, Community Health Pharmacy failed to keep accurate records of controlled substances' receipt and dispensing. The pharmacy allegedly did not perform a biennial inventory, failed to execute a valid power of attorney, and allowed an unauthorized individual to sign DEA Form 222s on eight occasions. Additionally, it allegedly did not retain required copies of order forms and failed to record necessary information on DEA Form 222s.
Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman stated, "Pharmacies play a unique role in ensuring that controlled substances are properly handled, accounted for, and dispensed. It is vital that pharmacies comply with the recordkeeping requirements of the Controlled Substances Act to help prevent diversion and keep our communities safe. This settlement highlights our office’s continued efforts to hold pharmacies accountable for their responsibilities under federal law."
Acting DEA Special Agent in Charge Belleau added, "DEA registrants are responsible for handling controlled substances responsibly and ensuring that complete and accurate records are being properly kept and accounted for in compliance with the Controlled Substance Act. We are committed to working with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to ensure that these rules and regulations are followed."
As a part of the settlement, Community Health Pharmacy has agreed to a three-year Memorandum of Agreement with the DEA to ensure future compliance with CSA regulations.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA's Office of Diversion Control, with assistance from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Drug Control Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Kaczmarek prosecuted the case.
