The Great Smoky Mountain Journal
Tuesday, January 01, 2019 02:49 PM
Kingsport Pharmacist Fined $100k For Poor Record Keeping Of Controlled Substances
Lowell Grizzle and his pharmacy, P&S Pharmacy, was charged with violating the controlled substances act. By not keeping accurate records of what was received or sold, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration noted several violations in November 2014.
“Given the severity of the opioid crisis in East Tennessee, it is imperative that pharmacies maintain accountability by keeping accurate records and ensuring that prescribed opioids do not fall into the wrong hands," U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey said. "Retail pharmacists and other professionals who fail to fulfill their legal obligations to keep a responsible account of these dangerous drugs increases the risk of diversion, which contributes to this crisis.
"This settlement is a clear message that the U.S. Attorney’s office is looking to those responsible for safeguarding and distributing prescription medication and will strictly enforce the requirements of the Controlled Substances Act.”
The DEA said it plans to continue auditing companies because according to DEA Special Agent D. Christopher Evans, "the consumption of opiates being distributed for non-medical reasons continues to be a major concern."
