đź•’ Created · Updated

Walmart settles federal lawsuit over unlawful opioid dispensing practices

Walmart reached an agreement with the U.S. government to settle a lawsuit accusing the discount retailer of unlawfully dispensing opioids from its pharmacies. The Justice Department sued Walmart in December 2020, alleging the company violated the Controlled Substances Act by filling thousands of invalid prescriptions and failing to report suspicious drug orders. The administration announced the settlement, which resolves allegations that Walmart's pharmacies failed to comply with their obligations under the Controlled Substances Act. While the specific settlement amount was not disclosed by the Justice Department, Walmart described the settlement as "immaterial" to its finances. The lawsuit came after a multiyear investigation into how the company's actions contributed to the national opioid epidemic. As part of the settlement, Walmart entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Drug Enforcement Administration, requiring the company to establish a hotline for employees and patients to report suspected illegal dispensing of controlled substances. The retailer plans to continue supporting its pharmacists to provide outstanding patient care.

Sources