Veterinary Technician Accused of Stealing Morphine from University of Minnesota’s Equine Hospital
A veterinary technician at the University of Minnesota’s equine hospital has been charged with three felonies after allegedly stealing morphine from vials, diluting the painkiller with saline, and resealing them. The technician, a 28-year-old from Circle Pines, was accused of accessing the hospital’s secure medication dispensing system 35 times between July 6 and July 21, with no legitimate reason to do so.
According to the criminal complaint, the technician’s actions likely resulted in horses treated at the hospital during that time not receiving the pain relief they needed, leading to unnecessary physical pain. The complaint also states that the technician had a history of painful medical issues that required narcotic pain medications for treatment. The University of Minnesota’s equine hospital is a reputable institution, and this incident has raised concerns about the security and integrity of their medication dispensing system.
Investigation and Charges
The investigation began on July 31, after hospital staff discovered that a vial of morphine was empty, despite appearing unopened. A review of the system’s user transaction reports showed that the technician had accessed the morphine drawer 35 times, with no other staff members accessing it during that time. The technician was placed on administrative leave on August 5 and later fired. She has been charged with theft, theft by swindle, and procuring a fifth-degree controlled substance.
The complaint alleges that the technician used her unique personal identification number and fingerprint to access the system, contradicting her claim that someone must have used her ID without her knowledge. The FDA’s Forensic Chemistry Center reported that testing on the morphine vials showed evidence of tampering, with punctures and glue on stopper tops, and that the morphine was diluted by approximately 87% to 97%.
Consequences and Reactions
The incident has raised concerns about the security and integrity of the hospital’s medication dispensing system. The University of Minnesota’s equine hospital has a reputation for providing high-quality care to animals, and this incident may damage that reputation. The technician’s actions have also sparked concerns about the potential for similar incidents to occur in other veterinary hospitals.
The case highlights the importance of strict controls and monitoring of controlled substances in veterinary hospitals. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) have guidelines and recommendations for the safe handling and storage of controlled substances. The incident is a reminder of the need for vigilance and adherence to these guidelines to prevent similar incidents in the future. For more information, read the full article Here
Image Source: www.twincities.com
