The State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy on Tuesday slapped an Ohio CVS location with a $250,000 fine after an investigation found rampant understaffing led to unacceptable conditions at the drugstore.
According to the board, the Canton location lacked adequate workers, leading to long wait times and confusing hours.
The board began its investigation in 2021 after a routine visit uncovered troubling conditions. Investigators found that staff was unable to keep up with pharmacy requests, with the drive-thru lane backed up with several vehicles. The board also found that the pharmacy phone and air conditioning units didn’t work properly.
Further issues popped up. According to the board, pharmacists were routinely behind in filling prescriptions, with some customers having to wait a month. When workers asked management to close the store for a few hours so they could catch up, the request was denied.
CVS acknowledged the board’s findings and said the location suffered greatly under the strain brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the company said the location has made great strides in improving conditions in the past few years.
Even so, the company will be expected to pay the $250,000 fine and agree to make crucial changes. CVS must ensure that the store is sufficiently staffed to avoid delays and safety. The location must fill all prescriptions within three business days. And the store will be on probation for three years and subject to more intense surveillance from the board.
The state board is also reportedly investigating other Ohio CVS locations.
Pharmacy workers at CVS have sounded the alarm before. In October, employees participated in a walkout at some of the company’s most popular locations over working conditions, low pay and insufficient staffing.
• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.
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