Methadone clinic agrees to pay $37,500 fine

A Mason-based methadone clinic has agreed to pay the government $37,500 after a DEA inspection of the clinic found seven potential record-keeping violations.

“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 Craig and Frances Lindner Center of HOPE operates a methadone clinic in Mason at HOPE Center North. Methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance.

According to the settlement, the DEA inspected HOPE Center North on July 15, 2020, and reviewed the clinic’s security measures, required controlled substance record-keeping, records of receipt and dispensation of methadone, and a record-keeping accountability audit of methadone.

The settlement says the DEA noted 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.

Representatives of the Lindner Center of HOPE issued a statement late Tuesday, saying the settlement allows the center to continue its focus on serving those who struggle with mental illness and addiction, while avoiding the costs of litigation.