AmerisourceBergen (ABC) is a leading pharmaceutical distributor in the United States, providing third-party logistics services to healthcare providers. In 2019, the company was involved in a settlement with the Department of Justice (DOJ) related to violations of the Controlled Substances Act. As a result, ABC entered into a Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA) with the DOJ and the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The CIA is a legally binding agreement between the federal government and a healthcare provider or supplier, intended to ensure compliance with the law and prevent future violations. The agreement requires ABC to adhere to strict compliance measures over a five-year period, including the implementation of policies and procedures to prevent illegal diversion of controlled substances.

Under the terms of the CIA, ABC is required to maintain a compliance program that includes annual training for employees, monitoring and auditing of controlled substance orders, and reporting of suspicious orders to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). ABC must also appoint a compliance officer to oversee the program and ensure ongoing compliance with the agreement.

Furthermore, as part of the settlement, ABC agreed to pay a total of $885 million in fines and forfeitures. This is one of the largest settlements ever reached under the Controlled Substances Act and reflects the seriousness of the violations committed by the company. The DOJ and OIG hope that the CIA will serve as a deterrent to other pharmaceutical distributors and promote greater transparency and accountability in the industry.

In conclusion, the AmerisourceBergen Corporate Integrity Agreement represents a significant milestone in the fight against illegal diversion of controlled substances. The agreement demonstrates the federal government`s commitment to holding healthcare providers and suppliers accountable for their actions and ensuring the safety of patients. As ABC continues to implement the terms of the CIA, it will be important for the company to remain vigilant and prioritize compliance with the law, in order to avoid future violations and protect the public health.