CRNA Pleads Guilty to Stealing Drugs From Veterans Hospital
CRNA Pleads Guilty to Stealing Drugs From Veterans Hospital
More than 100 suspected diversions of fentanyl uncovered after an investigation prompted by a found fentanyl syringe on an unattended medical cart.
A Waunakee man pleaded guilty in U.S. District court to obtaining fentanyl by use of misrepresentation and fraud.
According to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice, Todd Mehrhoff, 48, was a certified Registered Nurse anesthetist at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison when he was investigated for the crime. He participated in surgeries in the operating room at the hospital, which used a Med-Select system to automate, monitor, distribute and control prescription medications, including fentanyl. Users of the Med-Select system logged in either by entering their unique user ID number with a PIN number of their ID number with a fingerprint scan.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, on Dec. 19, 2017, Veterans Affairs police officers responded to a complaint of suspected drug diversion by Mehrhoff. Earlier that day, employees in an operating room found a fentanyl syringe left unattended on a medical cart. Staff determined Mehrhoff had removed fentanyl earlier on the day and did not report its administration or destruction.
The investigation into Mehrhoff’s records revealed more than 100 suspected diversions of fentanyl between August and December 2017. During the plea hearing, Mehrhoff admitted he obtained fentanyl from the Med-Select system when he was not on duty, for patients he was not assigned to, on days when no surgeries were scheduled, and in amounts greater than would be typical for any operating room procedure. Mehrhoff admitted he took fentanyl for personal use, according to the Department of Justice.
The charges against Mehrhoff are the result of an investigation by the Veterans Affairs Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Approximate date(s) of the diversion:
08/01/2017
Where the Diversion Occurred:
William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital
2500 Overlook Terrace, Madison, WI 53705
Type of Healthcare Facility:
Hospital
Person Diverting:
Todd Mehrhoff
Profession of the person diverting:
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Has the incident been reported?
e.g. to local law enforcement, county board of health, state licensure board, and/or federal DEA or FDA authorities?
Yes
To whom has the incident been reported?
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Other Reporting Organization(s)
