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Jackson, Miss – The United States has reached a civil settlement with Mississippi Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, PLLC (MSM) in connection with allegations that MSM violated federal regulations related to record keeping violations regarding the issuance of numerous controlled substance prescriptions, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.
A Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation of MSM records determined that there were grounds for action against MSM based on the Comprehensive Drug Abuse and Control Act of 1970, including monetary penalties and damages as a result of violations of Title 21 U.S.C. 829 and 842, as MSM employees failed to comply with regulations required by Title 21 C.F.R. 1306.04 and 1306.05. DEA Investigators found record keeping violations affecting numerous prescriptions for Schedule II-V controlled substances.
As a result of the DEA investigation, MSM will pay a civil penalty in the amount of $726,000 to the U.S. Department of Justice. MSM cooperated in the investigation of their records and has already taken steps to more closely monitor its prescription writing practices.
Prescriptions for controlled substances are subject to strict record keeping requirements due to the potential for harm, abuse and diversion. DEA is tasked with ensuring that DEA registrants, to include practitioners and pharmacies, meet federal record keeping requirements to ensure the proper regulation and deter diversion of controlled substances.
DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux stated: “Prescription drug abuse has reached epidemic proportions in this country. The rules, regulations and record keeping requirements set in place by The Controlled Substances Act, as supported by the Code of Federal Regulations, exist to prevent the illegitimate diversion of controlled substances as well as protect our citizens from harm. Failure to follow these rules and regulations will result in an investigation, action and penalties for DEA Registrants. Today’s civil settlement, based on DEA’s investigation, sends a resounding message that such activities will not be tolerated.”
The investigation of MSM was conducted by the Jackson DEA office in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn Murray.
