“This settlement shows that companies operating methadone clinics have a duty to do so with diligence,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “While it is important work, sloppiness in this area can lead to the improper diversion of drugs onto the streets, which would defeat the very purpose of these clinics’ existence: to provide those with opioid addictions a safe way to heal and recover. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to ensure clinics operate appropriately; no one is above the law.”
The Craig and Frances Lindner Center of HOPE operated a methadone clinic in Mason, Ohio, known as HOPE Center North. Methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance.
According to the settlement, the DEA conducted an inspection of HOPE Center North on July 15, 2020. The inspection included a review of the methadone clinic’s physical and operational security measures, required controlled substance recordkeeping, records of receipt and dispensation of methadone, and a recordkeeping accountability audit of methadone.
The settlement details that the DEA noted seven potential recordkeeping violations at HOPE Center North.
For example, the DEA noted that the clinic failed to provide the DEA with a biennial inventory of its controlled substances and did not keep complete and accurate inventory records. HOPE Center North also failed to keep accurate DEA forms evidencing the shipment and disposal of methadone from the facility.
As part of the settlement, HOPE Center North agrees to comply with all controlled substance recordkeeping standards as required by law.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Kent Kleinschmidt, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced the settlement. Deputy Civil Chief Brandi Stewart is representing the United States in this matter.
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