Former Good Samaritan Nurse Accused of Stealing Patients’ Medication
Former Good Samaritan Nurse Accused of Stealing Patients’ Medication
A southeast Iowa woman is accused of swiping medications intended for her patients while working as a nurse at the Good Samaritan Society.
A southeast Iowa woman is was accused of swiping medications intended for her patients while working as a nurse at the Good Samaritan Society.
60-year-old Debbie Hird of Blakesburg Iowa has been charged with two counts of drug diversion (Class C felony), identity theft (aggravated misdemeanor), and tampering with records (aggravated misdemeanor).
While employed as a nurse, court documents say in December 2021, Hird charted that she administered Hydrocodone to two patients but kept the drugs to herself.
Additionally, Hird allegedly used the identities of three fellow nurses to document the administration of narcotics to patients but held on to the medication instead. Authorities say Hird tampered with records by recording patients receiving pain medication when they were not administered any drugs.
A warrant for Hird’s arrest was issued on March 24, 2022 and she was taken into custody on March 29, 2022 and transported to the Wapello County Jail.
Her first court appearance is scheduled for March 31st, 2022.
Approximate date(s) of the diversion:
12/01/2022
Where the Diversion Occurred:
Good Samaritan Society
2035 Chester Ave, Ottumwa, IA 52501, USA
Type of Healthcare Facility:
Hospital
Person Diverting:
Debbie Hird
Profession of the person diverting:
Nurse
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?
Local Law Enforcement
