CVS Health has agreed to pay $315 million to resolve federal allegations that the pharmacy chain failed to properly oversee the dispensing of opioid prescriptions and other controlled substances. The settlement, announced by the Department of Justice on Tuesday, addresses claims that the company’s pharmacies filled prescriptions that did not comply with federal regulations, potentially contributing to the misuse of addictive medications.

The legal action originated from a 2019 whistleblower lawsuit filed by Hillary Estright, a former CVS employee. Under the False Claims Act, whistleblowers are permitted to sue on behalf of the government when they believe a company has defrauded federal programs. The settlement effectively closes the litigation regarding these specific compliance concerns.

While the settlement represents a significant financial penalty for the company, it does not constitute an admission of liability or wrongdoing by CVS Health. The Department of Justice has framed the agreement as a necessary step in holding major pharmacy chains accountable for their role in the broader opioid crisis. CVS has maintained that it is committed to maintaining rigorous compliance standards and has cooperated with federal authorities to resolve the matter and move forward. The funds from the settlement are expected to be directed toward federal accounts, though the specific distribution of the payout remains a matter of standard administrative procedure for such settlements.