
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill launched an investigation into CVS Pharmacy, issuing a cease-and-desist order on June 12th. The action follows allegations that CVS misused customers’ personal information to send unsolicited text messages opposing House Bill 358.
According to a statement released on X (formerly Twitter), Murrill alleges that CVS sent these messages to a significant number of state employees and their families. This, she argues, constitutes an inappropriate use of personal data obtained through a state contract.
House Bill 358, the legislation at the heart of the controversy, aimed to prohibit companies from simultaneously owning pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and retail pharmacies within Louisiana. While the bill ultimately failed to pass, the ensuing controversy has now landed CVS in hot water.
The Attorney General’s action highlights growing concerns about data privacy and the ethical implications of using personal information for political lobbying. The investigation continues, and further consequences for CVS remain to be seen.