Kansas pharmacy pays $9.5M to settle whistleblower lawsuit

Stark Pharmacy will pay $9.5 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act, which makes it a crime to make a false record or file a false claim about any federal healthcare program.

Advertisement

The lawsuit, U.S. ex rel. Barnes v. Stark Pharmacy, et al., accuses the Overland Park, Kansas-based pharmacy of improperly waiving or reducing patient copays, changing prescriptions without physician authorization, charging plans for a prescription that was different from what the patient received, and auto-filling prescriptions without patient consent.

The suit was brought by whistleblower Emily Barnes, a former pharmacist at Stark represented by the Graves Garrett law firm She will receive $1.5 million as part of the settlement.

More articles on legal and regulatory issues:
8 latest healthcare industry lawsuits, settlements
Ex-Florida hospital director admits role in $1B fraud scheme
10 employees hit NewYork-Presbyterian with $15M discrimination suit

At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Register to Attend Webinar

Reconsider What’s Possible: Enterprise RCM and the Pro-Fee Practice

Tuesday, July 28
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT

Presenters: Garett Kreitz, Med-MetrixJohn Stefanowicz, Med-Metrix

Advertisement

Next Up in Legal & Regulatory Issues

Advertisement

Comments are closed.