U.S. reaches $4 million civil settlement, compliance agreement with WVUHS
The West Virginia United Health System, doing business as West Virginia University Health System, has agreed to pay $4,177,139 and entered a memorandum of agreement to resolve civil allegations of Controlled Substances Act violations across various registered facilities over seven years.
Pursuant to a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation, the United States identified that WVUHS committed numerous recordkeeping and reporting violations between 2017 and 2024.
WVUHS facilities failed to notify the DEA regarding thefts or significant losses of controlled substances.
In addition to these failures to report, other violations included errors in orders regarding controlled substances; failures to maintain accurate and current inventory records; failures to ensure proper authority for use of DEA order forms; maintaining policies and procedures not fully consistent with the requirements of the Controlled Substances Act; and other administrative violations.
“The DEA Diversion Investigators who worked this matter should be commended for uncovering failures that put controlled substances at risk of diversion, and their work has undoubtedly made West Virginia a safer place,” said first assistant U.S. attorney Christopher Prezioso. “When a healthcare system controls large quantities of addictive medications, strict compliance with the Controlled Substances Act is necessary to protect the public. This settlement, along with the corresponding Memorandum of Agreement, demands accountability and mandates meaningful reform across WVUHS.”
In addition to the civil monetary settlement, WVUHS has signed a comprehensive, three‑year memorandum of agreement with the DEA, according to a statement by the Department of Justice.
The MoA imposes detailed systemwide compliance requirements, including additional diversion oversight; rapid reporting of thefts or losses; installation of hundreds of security cameras at controlled-substance storage sites; enhanced training and auditing procedures; and other policy improvements to detect, investigate, and prevent diversion.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
30th Anniversary: Gov. Nwifuru hails Ebonyi leaders for laying solid foundation
Mr Nwifuru stated, “We are very united, calm and hardworking people.”
Heading 1
NiMet predicts three-day thunderstorms, moderate rains across Nigeria from Monday
The agency advised residents to stay away from tall trees to avoid injuries from falling branches or broken trees.
Lagos
I’m best candidate for Lagos in 2027, says Hamzat
Mr Ojelabi urged Nigerians to draw closer to God and have faith in Him.
Showbiz
Barry’s veto saves three housemates from eviction as BBNaija Season 11 names final 10
Barry’s decision came at a crucial stage of the competition.
States
Police intercept firearm during stop-and-search operation in Anambra
The police spokesperson identified the suspects as Joseph Ekwulugo, 33, and Somtochukwu Enyiobi, 29.
Heading 3
Tinubu doesn’t need to be physically present to work; he will return from vacation this week: Presidency
Mr Onanuga stated, “Nigeria’s President is hale and hearty. He has been on a working vacation, which he is perfectly entitled to.”
