U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Shuts Down Internet Pharmacy

Joint action between the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy ("Board") and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration ("DEA") has resulted in the suspension of the licence of Prescriptiononline.com Inc., which was an online pharmacy based in Las Vegas. The Board stated that the online pharmacy violated Nevada Law by failing to verify that the prescribing doctor had seen or examined the patient before writing the prescription. According to the DEA, the pharmacy permitted customers throughout the U.S. to request a physician consultation through the website. Various physicians contracted by the pharmacy would conduct consultations and customers would complete unverified medical history forms. Although licensed as a Nevada pharmacy, the company did not have a licence to conduct an Internet business. The Board was of the view that the operation of the business endangered public health, safety and welfare of patients. To view the DEA's press release, visit: http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/pressrel/pr122002.html For more information, visit: http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/lv-other/2003/jan/06/514477766.html