CVS, a well-known pharmacy chain, has been hit with a hefty fine of $250,000 by Ohio's state regulators. This penalty came after it was found that one of their stores in Canton, northeast Ohio, was severely understaffed.
This lack of staff led to delays in filling prescriptions and careless storage of medicines.
The fine was imposed following a thorough investigation by the Ohio Board of Pharmacy. Inspectors discovered these issues in the CVS store in Canton in mid-September 2021.
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Ohio Pharmacy Board Takes Action Following Pharmacists' Walkout
This penalty follows an investigation that began with a September 2021 inspection, uncovering multiple issues such as malfunctioning phones, a broken air conditioning unit, and improper storage of medications, including a Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in an unlocked freezer.
The situation at CVS worsened following a pharmacists' walkout last October across several major drugstore chains, protesting against exhausting work conditions, low staffing levels, and inadequate pay.
Inspectors found that CVS staff had unsuccessfully requested temporary store closure and additional out-of-hours staffing to manage the pharmacy and address the backlog in the prescription filling. The understaffed store was forced to close its lobby, serving customers solely through the drive-thru, where inspectors noted a long line of cars.
A follow-up call by a board agent revealed that the prescription backlog had escalated, with the pharmacy falling over a month behind schedule. In response to these findings, the Board has mandated CVS to ensure sufficient staffing to minimize pharmacists' fatigue and maintain their ability to work safely and competently.
Additionally, CVS is required to develop a process for staff to request extra help and report staffing concerns, with a system to inform the Board about these issues and the measures taken to resolve them.
In a statement, CVS acknowledged the Board's decision and highlighted their efforts to improve conditions at the Fulton Drive NW pharmacy since the 2021 inspections, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. They emphasized their commitment to providing high-quality care and ensuring appropriate pharmacy staffing levels.
Ohio Pharmacy Board Sets Staffing and Communication Standards for CVS
The Ohio Board of Pharmacy has issued a directive to the CVS store, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining adequate staffing. The Board's order stipulates that the store must always schedule enough personnel to reduce fatigue, distraction, or other factors that could impair a pharmacist's ability to work effectively and safely.
Moreover, CVS is required to establish a procedure that allows pharmacy staff to request additional workforce or report staffing concerns. This process must also include a way to inform the Board about these requests and any steps taken to address staffing issues.
Meanwhile, CVS has acknowledged the Ohio Board of Pharmacy's rulings concerning their Fulton Drive NW pharmacy. In a statement, CVS said, "We're aware of the Ohio Board of Pharmacy's decision regarding our Fulton Drive NW pharmacy and will continue to work with the Board collaboratively.
The allegations stem from BOP inspections in 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we've made great strides to improve the conditions there in the years since, including putting a strong pharmacy team in place that continues to provide high-quality care to patients. We're committed to ensuring there are appropriate levels of staffing and resources at our pharmacies."
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