Texas Pharmacy Risks Shutdown Over Ignoring Drug Abuse Warnings
Published Date: 10/2/2026
Notice
Summary
St. Michael's Pharmacy in Texas had its DEA license suspended and is facing revocation because it kept filling risky drug prescriptions without fixing obvious warning signs of abuse. This affects the pharmacy’s ability to legally handle controlled substances and could impact patients relying on it. The pharmacy must now deal with these serious legal actions, which started in late 2025 and could lead to permanent closure or fines.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
DEA Revokes Pharmacy's Registration
The Drug Enforcement Administration granted the Government's request and revoked St. Michael's Pharmacy's DEA Certificate of Registration No. FS0483951 after an Order to Show Cause/Immediate Suspension issued on September 10, 2025 and an RFAA filed October 20, 2025. The Texas State Board of Pharmacy had its state license revoked on March 11, 2026, and the Agency found loss of state authority is an independent basis for revocation.
Large Quantities of Drugs Unaccounted For
DEA investigators found that between May 1, 2023 and March 5, 2025 St. Michael's Pharmacy could not account for large quantities of controlled substances, including 43,003.5 dosage units of hydrocodone 10/325 mg (123.63% variance), 25,960 dosage units of oxycodone 30 mg (39.91% variance), and other specified shortages. The Agency found failures to maintain complete and accurate records and to retain original signed electronic 222 order forms on a central server.
Pharmacy Dispensed Controlled Drugs Despite Red Flags
The Agency found that from at least January 2023 through February 2025, the pharmacy repeatedly filled controlled‑substance prescriptions with multiple red flags (pattern prescribing, drugs known to be abused, highest strengths/large quantities, and patients obtaining similar drugs from multiple practitioners). Examples include dispensing 786 of 1,213 oxycodone 30 mg prescriptions from a small group of prescribers and dispensing over 1,000 oxycodone 30 mg tablets over two years without resolving red flags.
Patients May Lose Access to Medications
The Order revoking St. Michael's Pharmacy's registration means patients who rely on that pharmacy for controlled‑substance prescriptions could lose access to those medications following the suspension and revocation actions that began with the OSC/ISO on September 10, 2025 and the state license revocation on March 11, 2026. The Agency noted these actions affect the pharmacy’s authority to handle controlled substances.
Registrant Deemed in Default for Not Seeking Hearing
The OSC/ISO notified St. Michael's Pharmacy of the right to request a hearing within 30 days of receipt of the OSC/ISO (issued September 10, 2025); Registrant did not request a hearing and was deemed in default, which results in admission of the factual allegations. The Government filed a Request for Final Agency Action on October 20, 2025 and the Agency granted it.
Opportunity to Seek Reconsideration of State‑License Finding
The Agency took official notice that the Texas pharmacy license was revoked and found the registrant lacked state authority; the Order states Registrant may dispute this finding by filing a properly supported motion for reconsideration of findings of fact within fifteen calendar days of the date of the Order, to be filed and served by email.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11526, Implementation of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention That Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act of 2018: Dispensing and Administering Controlled Substances for Medication-Assisted Treatment
Starting July 9, 2026, new rules make it easier for doctors and pharmacies to provide medicine that helps people recover from opioid addiction. These changes affect healthcare providers by expanding who can give medication-assisted treatment and how pharmacies can deliver these medicines. The goal? Faster, safer access to treatment with clear rules that save time and support recovery.
2026-10128, Revision of Applications for Manufacturing and Procurement Quotas
The DEA wants to update how companies apply for permission to make and buy certain controlled drugs and chemicals. These changes will make the rules clearer, help prevent drug shortages, and ensure enough supply for medical and scientific needs. If you’re a manufacturer or involved in this process, get ready to follow new steps and share your thoughts by July 20, 2026.
2025-05007, Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter and Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients
Starting December 31, 2025, veterans can get buprenorphine treatment and follow-up care through telemedicine, making it easier to access help for opioid use disorder without leaving home. This change affects veterans using VA health services and aims to improve treatment access while the government reviews feedback and policies. No new costs are mentioned, but the delay gives agencies time to ensure the rules work well.
2025-02793, Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter and Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients
The government is giving veterans easier access to buprenorphine treatment through telemedicine, letting them get care remotely. This change affects veterans using VA health services and aims to make treatment smoother and more convenient. The new rules were supposed to start February 18, 2025, but now they’ll kick in on March 21, 2025, while the government gathers public feedback.
2026-20226, By Grace Inc. Counseling Services; Decision and Order
By Grace Inc. Counseling Services in Baltimore faced losing its DEA license because it didn’t keep good records and lied about its owner’s past drug conviction. After a hearing, the DEA decided to revoke their registration, meaning they can’t legally handle controlled substances anymore. This affects the clinic’s ability to operate and could impact patients relying on their services.
2026-20084, Extension of Reexportation Period.
The DEA is proposing to give companies more time—up to 365 days instead of 180—to send controlled substances back out of the European Economic Area. This change helps businesses avoid rushing and reduces stress around shipping deadlines. If you handle these substances, you can share your thoughts by November 30, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-20226, By Grace Inc. Counseling Services; Decision and Order
By Grace Inc. Counseling Services in Baltimore faced losing its DEA license because it didn’t keep good records and lied about its owner’s past drug conviction. After a hearing, the DEA decided to revoke their registration, meaning they can’t legally handle controlled substances anymore. This affects the clinic’s ability to operate and could impact patients relying on their services.
Next: 2026-20229, Agency Information Collection Activities; New Collection of Information; Client Representative Technical Assistance Portal (CR-TAP)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is launching a new online portal called CR-TAP to help client representatives get technical assistance faster and easier. They’re asking for public feedback by November 2, 2026, before finalizing the system. This change aims to improve communication without adding extra costs or paperwork burdens.