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Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
9 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

In addition to commitments and obligations in the ordinary course of business, we are subject to various claims, including claims with customers and vendors, pending and potential legal actions for damages, investigations relating to governmental laws and regulations and other matters arising out of the normal conduct of our business. As described below, many of these proceedings are at preliminary stages and many seek an indeterminate amount of damages.
When a loss is considered probable and reasonably estimable, we record a liability in the amount of our best estimate for the ultimate loss. However, the likelihood of a loss with respect to a particular contingency is often difficult to predict and determining a meaningful estimate of the loss or a range of loss may not be practicable based on the information available and the potential effect of future events and decisions by third parties that will determine the ultimate resolution of the contingency. Moreover, it is not uncommon for such matters to be resolved over many years, during which time relevant developments and new information must be reevaluated at least quarterly to determine both the likelihood of potential loss and whether it is possible to reasonably estimate a range of possible loss. When a loss is probable but a reasonable estimate cannot be made, disclosure of the proceeding is provided.
Disclosure also is provided when it is reasonably possible that a loss will be incurred or when it is reasonably possible that the amount of a loss will exceed the recorded provision. We review all contingencies at least quarterly to determine whether the likelihood of loss has changed and to assess whether a reasonable estimate of the loss or range of loss can be made. As discussed above, development of a meaningful estimate of loss or a range of potential loss is complex when the outcome is directly dependent on negotiations with or decisions by third parties, such as regulatory agencies, the court system and other interested parties. Such factors bear directly on whether it is possible to reasonably estimate a range of potential loss and boundaries of high and low estimates.
Significant developments in previously reported proceedings and in other litigation and claims, since the filing of our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2016 are set out below. Unless otherwise stated, we are currently unable to estimate a range of reasonably possible losses for the unresolved proceedings described below. Should any one or a combination of more than one of these proceedings be successful, or should we determine to settle any or a combination of these matters, we may be required to pay substantial sums, become subject to the entry of an injunction or be forced to change the manner in which we operate our business, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial position or results of operations.
Litigation, Government Subpoenas and Investigations
As previously disclosed, in the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company reached an agreement in principle with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice (“DOJ”) and various U.S. Attorneys’ offices to settle all potential administrative and civil claims relating to investigations about the Company’s suspicious order reporting practices for controlled substances.  In January 2017, the final settlement agreements were executed. As part of the settlement, the Company has paid $150 million in January 2017, which was previously accrued in 2015.
As previously disclosed, on February 23, 2016, the Company removed the action captioned State of West Virginia ex rel. Morrisey v. McKesson Corporation, Civil Action No.: 16-C-1, to the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia (Civil Action No.: 2:16-cv-01772). On March 21, 2016, the Company filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings.  On March 24, 2016, the State of West Virginia filed a motion to remand the matter to state court.  On January 24, 2017, the court remanded the matter to state court.  The court did not rule on the pending motion for judgment on the pleadings.
From time to time, the Company receives subpoenas or requests for information from various government agencies. The Company generally responds to such subpoenas and requests in a cooperative, thorough and timely manner. These responses sometimes require time and effort and can result in considerable costs being incurred by the Company. Such subpoenas and requests also can lead to the assertion of claims or the commencement of civil or criminal legal proceedings against the Company and other members of the health care industry, as well as to settlements. Examples of such subpoenas and investigations are included in the Company’s 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K and previously filed Form 10-Qs.