In a recent development that highlights ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York has announced a substantial settlement with a former Manhattan pharmacist over allegations of unlawful distribution of controlled substances. Janelle Harris, the owner and supervising pharmacist of the now-closed The Pharmacy @ LCC, agreed to pay $100,000 and will be barred for several years from operating a pharmacy that dispenses controlled substances.
The civil lawsuit against Harris alleged that, from 2014 through 2018, she had neglected her duty to prevent the abuse and diversion of prescription drugs, particularly opioids like Oxycodone. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York, Harris's pharmacy filled prescriptions that contained significant "red flags," which should have prompted further scrutiny. Despite the obvious warning signs, such as multiple cash transactions and numerous prescriptions from a single doctor, Harris and her employees failed to take the necessary actions to confirm the prescriptions' legitimacy.
The terms of the settlement, approved by U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff on September 5, also include a Consent Judgment against Harris for $16.7 million. This may be enforced if she defaults on the settlement payments. Frank A. Tarentino, the DEA Special Agent in Charge, praised the efforts leading to the resolution, asserting that the settlement "reflects DEA’s commitment to making sure measures are in place to safeguard the community and hold DEA registrants accountable."
In a statement obtained by the Justice Department, U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton expressed his position on the matter, "Pharmacists and other healthcare professionals cannot turn a blind eye to opioid abuse." He emphasized, "Pharmacists who recklessly ignore warning signs of diversion will be held accountable." Harris, in her admission, has acknowledged certain aspects of the conduct alleged by the United States, including her responsibility as a pharmacist to vet prescriptions for controlled substances rigorously to ensure they are for legitimate medical purposes.
