CVS Implements Time Delay Safes for Controlled Substances

In a recent announcement, CVS Health stated that they are implementing time delay safes in western states, including Colorado, Utah, Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. These safes attempt to protect pharmacists and deter robbers from targeting their pharmacies.

According to the Diversion Control Division of the United States Department of Justice, in 2018, there were approximately 807 pharmacy robberies. Incidences of pharmacy robberies can quickly become dangerous.

An article by Arizona State University states that pharmacy robberies “pose a serious threat to employees and customers present at the scene, as well as to responding officers. As with any robbery, the violence associated with it can quickly turn lethal, as was the case on June 19, 2011, when four victims — a pharmacist, a clerk, and two customers — were shot and killed by two suspects in the course of the robbery of a Long Island, New York, pharmacy.”

In addition to the risk it provides to pharmacists and other pharmacy workers, pharmaceutical robberies can also exacerbate the opioid epidemic. Misusing prescription drugs can lead to addiction, which is challenging to overcome and places an economic burden on the patients.

Implementing time delay safes may help reduce the number of pharmacy robberies. When an order or request is put in for controlled substances such as opioids, there is a time delay between the employee’s request and the opening of the safe.

The idea is that the delay will dissuade robbers as it will increase their risk of getting caught.

“Supporting law enforcement efforts in their battle against organized retail crime remains a key focus for our company," said Thomas M. Moriarty, Chief Policy Officer and General Counsel of CVS Health, in the press release. "Criminal activities that organized retail crime rings fund are a clear danger to our communities, so it is important that retailers, law enforcement, and political leaders work together to solve this problem. Time delay safes can help reduce the theft and diversion of prescription medications and bring added security to our stores which creates a safe environment for our patients and colleagues."

Although this plan is not foolproof and will not cease all pharmacy robberies, it is a step in reducing the risk for employees and the public.