DOJ Sues CVS for Decade-Long Opioid Violations

The U.S. Justice Department has filed a civil lawsuit against CVS Pharmacy, accusing the company of unlawfully filling prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances over more than a decade. The DOJ alleges that CVS violated the Controlled Substances Act and the False Claims Act by dispensing prescriptions lacking legitimate medical purpose and charging federal health programs for these prescriptions. The lawsuit highlights CVS's alleged role in exacerbating the national opioid crisis by filling large quantities of dangerous 'trinity cocktails' and prescriptions from 'pill mill' practices. Accusations include CVS prioritizing corporate profits through performance metrics and low staffing levels, which pressured pharmacists to quickly fill prescriptions without proper verification. CVS has denied these allegations, stating that they have cooperated with the investigation and will defend against what they call a 'false narrative.' If found liable, CVS could face significant civil penalties.