Trident University

Module 1 SLP
BHM443: Legal Aspects of Health Care

1. Using the Internet and other sources research the following case:
Robert Ray Courtney, a former pharmacist, who owned and operated the Research Medical Tower Pharmacy in Kansas City, Missouri.
2. Provide a detailed account of the key facts surrounding the case. Make sure to include the following: a. Case background b. Biographical description of the defendant and his company
3. Using information from the Internet and other credible sources identify and discuss the criminal and contractual aspects of the case.
He was once a member of one of the most respected and trusted professions in the United States. Robert Courtney was born in Hays, Kansas …show more content…
He also gave generously to his church which earned him a coveted seat on the church’s financial committee. (Montgomery & Stearns, 2001) In 1999, Mr. Courtney pledged to donate one million dollars to the church building fund to be paid over three years. (Draper, 2003)
After buying the Research Medical Tower Pharmacy, he formed Courtney Pharmacy Inc. in 1987. His company comprised of the facility where he worked at the Research Medical Tower and another pharmacy, Courtney's Pharmacy, located at Shawnee Mission Medical Center in Merriam, Kansas. (Freed, 2001) Courtney was forced to sell both pharmacies in addition to losing his pharmacy licenses in Missouri and Kansas. (Freed, 2002)
In addition to criminal charges, Robert Courtney also faced several civil lawsuits for fraud and wrongful death. Eli Lilly & Company and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company have been named as co-defendants in some of the cases due to their alleged knowledge of Courtney’s practice and selling drugs to him through inappropriate supply channels. (National briefing |," 2002)
Through his criminal and unethical acts, Robert Courtney violated the trust that patients and providers place in their pharmacist. He also neglected his most basic responsibility; to ensure that drugs and pharmaceuticals are used safely and appropriately. ("ASHP guidelines: Minimum," 1985) His actions have far-reaching