The American Society for Pharmacy Law (ASPL) is an organization of attorneys, pharmacists, pharmacist-attorneys and students of pharmacy or law who are interested in the law as it applies to
pharmacy, pharmacists, wholesalers, manufacturers, state and federal government and other interested parties.
ASPL is a non-profit which encourages diversity & inclusion with the Society, regardless of differing backgrounds, perspectives, experiences, orientations, origins, and practice settings. The Society embraces participation and diversity as it leads to advancing our purpose:
- Furthering knowledge in the law related to pharmacists, pharmacies, the provision of pharmaceutical care, the manufacturing and distribution of drugs, and other food, drug, and medical device policy issues;
- Communicating accurate legal educational information; and
- Providing educational opportunities for pharmacists, attorneys, and others who are interested in pharmacy law
Latest News
January 24, 2022
COVID-19
ACLU sues Arkansas detention center on behalf of inmates treated with ivermectin
On January 13, the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas announced its filing of a lawsuit in federal court against the Washington County (Ark.) Detention Center (WCDC), the Washington County Sheriff, and Dr. Robert Karas. The suit claims that inmates at the facility were treated with a cocktail containing ivermectin at the direction of Dr. Karas, without prior informed consent.
Opening with a citation to the landmark informed consent case of Schloendorff v. Society of New York Hospitals, 105 N.E. 92 (N.Y. 1914) and Justice Cardozo’s holding that “Every human being of adult years and sound mind has a right to determine what shall be done with his own body ...,” the complaint alleges that plaintiffs were told while being incarcerated at the WCDC that they were receiving “’vitamins’, ‘antibiotics,’ and/or ‘steroids.’ ... The truth, however, was that without knowing and voluntary consent, Plaintiffs ingested incredibly high doses of a drug that credible medical professionals, the FDA, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all agree is not an effective treatment against COVID-19, and that if given in large doses is dangerous for humans.”
The complaint alleges a long-standing and financially mutually beneficial relationship between the Sheriff, WCDC, (the County Defendants) and Karas Correctional Health (KCH) and Dr. Karas (the Karas Defendants). Dr. Karas allegedly undertook research at WCDC on use of ivermectin for COVID-19 as early as November 2020. By July 2021, the County Defendants became aware of this use, according to the complaint. Dr. Karas allegedly purchased the ivermectin and charged WCDC for the product.
The complaint alleges that plaintiffs experienced side effects from the ivermectin, mental and emotional trauma, and were charged fees for medical services provided after they experienced side effects. Plaintiffs filed grievances which were allegedly reviewed and denied by the Karas Defendants, and thus they have exhausted their administrative remedies. Finally, defendants are accused of seeking to retroactively obtain informed consent.
The suit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, medical treatment, award of costs and fees, and other appropriate relief. [Floreal-Wooten et al. v. Washington County Detention Center et al., No. 5:22-cv-05011-TLB, W.D. Ark., January 13, 2022]
