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MGH settles drug diversion case for $2.3 million

MGH settles drug diversion case for $2.3 million

State House News Service

Massachusetts General Hospital has agreed to pay the United States $2.3 million to resolve allegations that lax controls enabled MGH employees to divert controlled substances such as oxycodone for personal use. The Justice Department announced the settlement Monday afternoon, calling it the largest of its kind involving allegations of drug diversion at a hospital.

"Under the law, hospitals like MGH have a special responsibility to ensure that controlled substances are used for patient care and are not diverted for non-medical uses," U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz said in a statement. "Diversion of these drugs feeds addiction, contributes to potential illegal drug sales, and fuels the opioid epidemic that has had a devastating effect on the Commonwealth."

Baker rolls out plan to fix child welfare agency
Charlie Baker

Baker rolls out plan to fix child welfare agency

Kara Bettis

BOSTON – With an independent investigation under way into the death of Bella Bond, the murdered child known for months as Baby Doe, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker on Monday rolled out a six-point plan to reform the Department of Children and Families.

"DCF often struggles with mission confusion," Baker said at an impromptu press briefing Monday morning. Now, he said, the mission will be simple and focused: "keep kids safe."

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