Home / Crime and Justice / WVU Health System Fined $4.1M for Drug Theft Cover-Up
WVU Health System Fined $4.1M for Drug Theft Cover-Up
20 Jul
Summary
- System knew of drug theft for years, failed to report adequately.
- Federal settlement requires WVU Health System to improve procedures.
- Investigation revealed lax record-keeping and systemic failures.
WVU Health System has agreed to a $4.1 million settlement with federal authorities following an investigation into widespread drug theft and inadequate reporting. The Drug Enforcement Administration's probe, launched in May 2022, uncovered systemic issues within the health system concerning controlled substances.
Evidence indicates that WVU Health System was aware of employees stealing highly addictive drugs, including opiates like Dilaudid, for years. As early as January 2017, the system failed to report suspicious orders. By 2018, officials recognized problems in Morgantown, with a patient complaining of missed medication and a provider observed nodding off at work.
Despite hiring an expert in 2019 who identified potential diversion issues and recommendations for secure storage, not all implemented measures were adopted across facilities. In early 2021, at least two medical providers admitted to stealing painkillers, but these incidents were not reported to the DEA.
The settlement mandates WVU Health System implement new procedures, including an invoice tracker for controlled substances, a dedicated theft investigation team, and a database for suspected employees. Enhanced camera surveillance and timely reporting of suspected thefts to the DEA are also required.
