Pharmacies fined for slow response

In a disciplinary case concluded last month, the Virginia State Board of Pharmacy said the pharmacy “failed to fill prescriptions or provide pharmacy services in a timely manner, resulting in harm to patients” from at least September 2021 to May 2022. “I put myself at risk,” he said.

The company agreed to a fine and a finding of violation of state law on Nov. 20. It's unclear why the board's action took 18 months to complete, but the problem persists. As the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported, state regulators this month tightened regulations for Virginia pharmacies to better protect patients and employees.

Pharmacists and patients at another facility complained that “staff routinely did not answer calls, delayed transferring prescriptions, reversed claims to patients' insurance companies, and delayed addressing patient concerns.” Board records state that he said so. There were “long lines” and “it took weeks to get my prescription.” Kroger acknowledged that staffing shortages, especially in early 2022, delayed prescription dispensing and other operations at its pharmacies by several weeks. Kroger staff arrived early and worked late to try to accommodate.

James Menies, president of Kroger's Mid-Atlantic region, said all 108 pharmacies in the region are currently “fully staffed,” but likely not fully staffed. Ta. He said just as the pandemic has disrupted staffing for many businesses, Bonsac Pharmacy has also experienced an exodus of staff. Two other Kroger pharmacies in the Mid-Atlantic region, although not in the Roanoke area, also received disciplinary action, he said.