A pharmacy in New Haven has paid nearly $200,000 to resolve allegations that it failed to properly keep records of controlled substances it received and dispensed for more than two years.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut announced Thursday that Community Health Pharmacy, LLC on Dixwell Avenue has entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal government. Federal officials said $192,000 was paid as part of the settlement to address allegations that the pharmacy violated civil provisions of the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”).
Between January 2022 and May 2024, officials alleged that Community Health Pharmacy failed to keep complete and accurate records tied to controlled substances that were received and dispensed, according to authorities. Authorities alleged that the pharmacy failed to perform a biennial inventory, did not execute a valid power of attorney and allowed an unauthorized individual to sign DEA Form 222s (order forms) on “at least eight occasions.”
“The government also alleges that Community Health Pharmacy did not retain required copies of order forms, invoices and other records related to controlled substances and did not record certain required information on DEA Form 222s,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office wrote in a statement.
According to federal officials, Congress passed the CSA measures to create “a closed system” of distribution for controlled substances in which “every facet of the handling of the substances — from their manufacture to their consumption by the ultimate user — was to be subject to intense governmental regulation.” The goal was to prevent diversion and abuse of substances while also ensuring there could be an adequate supply for legitimate uses.
“Pharmacies play a unique role in ensuring that controlled substances are properly handled, accounted for and dispensed,” Marc H. Silverman, acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, said in a statement. “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.”
“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,” Acting DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen P. Belleau said in a statement. “We are committed to working with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to ensure that these rules and regulations are followed.”
As part of the settlement, Community Health Pharmacy has agreed to enter into a three-year Memorandum of Agreement with the DEA that is designed to ensure future compliance with the requirements of the CSA and its implementing regulations, officials said.