Palomar Health pays $250,000 fine for fentanyl diversion allegations

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Palomar Health has paid a $250,000 fine to resolve allegations that fentanyl was diverted from one of its facilities, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California in a press release.

The health care district, which is one of the largest in California with campuses in Escondido and Poway, has also been accused of failing to keep accurate records of fentanyl in its possession.

The settlement of these alleged violations came after Palomar Health officials revealed that one of its employees may have diverted controlled substances.

After a brief investigation, government officials concluded that vials of fentanyl had been diverted from Pyxis machines, which are automatic drug dispensers often used in hospital settings, at Palomar Health's cath lab in Escondido, prosecutors said.

Although fentanyl is known for its illicit use, hospitals often stock the synthetic opioid in small doses to help treat severe chronic pain or severe pain following surgery. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the medical use of this drug is similar to that of morphine.

Over a five-month period, “numerous vials” of fentanyl were diverted from Pyxis machines, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Unused fentanyl was also not disposed of properly during this time.

In addition to the fine, Palomar Health agreed to implement new measures to protect its supply of fentanyl, including increasing security and implementing more specialized training to ensure all controlled substances are handled properly.

Despite the settlement with Palomar Health, no liability has been determined in the case, federal prosecutors noted.

“We value our relationship with our registrant population and encourage all to be diligent in preventing and detecting diversion,” Rostant Farfan, DEA diversion program manager, said in a statement. “Keeping drugs, like fentanyl, off the streets is the responsibility of everyone who works with controlled substances. »