Rhine Drug Company settles False Claims Act

EASTMAN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Rhine Drug Company and Andrew Clements, Jr. agree to pay a total of $2.175 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act and the Controlled Substances Act. The settlement is the largest False Claims Act recovery in the history of the of the Southern District of Georgia.

Acting United States Attorney James Durham said, “Pharmacists are suppose to bill only for what they dispense and they’re to keep accurate records of the prescription drugs they let walk out of their their pharmacies. This U.S. Attorney’s Office will hold accountable those pharmacists and pharmacies that seek financial gain at the expense of the public by cutting corners.”

The Rhine Drug Company owner and pharmacist, Carter Clements, Jr. issued a statement. “Rhine Drug Company has proudly served middle and south-central Georgia since 1906 when my great-great-great uncle first opened for business. Over those 111 years, and through four generations of pharmacists, we have worked hard every day to earn and keep the trust of each of our customers, who depend on us to be there for them and their families. Though we do not accept any fault in the settlement, this matter has been stressful and costly.”