McLaren Health Care entered into a legal settlement with the Drug Enforcement Agency and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices pertaining to retail pharmacy operations at McLaren Port Huron.
According to a press release from McLaren, the agreement stems from a lengthy effort with the DEA, which discovered “prescribing irregularities” in 2018, which led to the firing of a pharmacist who was diverting opioids for personal use. The DEA found problems with recordkeeping, dispensing, and distributing controlled substances dating back to before McLaren acquired Port Huron Hospital.
April Rudoni, Interim Compliance Director and Chair of McLaren’s Controlled Substance Oversight Committee, said, “Our health system takes compliance very seriously and regrets any instance in which we do not meet our regulators’ requirements or our own high standards. From the moment the DEA’s first concern was brought to our attention we have worked diligently to strengthen protocols across our system. I am proud of the culture of accountability and compliance we maintain and look forward to continued collaboration with the DEA moving forward.”
McLaren reportedly paid over $7.7 million in the settlement and entered into a three-year plan to prevent future violations.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
