Incident 05/10/2023
Incident 05/10/2023
Former Licensed Registered Nurse Sentenced to 15 Months for Product Tampering
A former SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital nurse pleaded guilty to tampering with vials of fentanyl while working at the hospital, and was sentenced to 15 months in prison, 1 year of supervised release, and fined $30,000 due and payable immediately.
Officials said Dawn Drum, 54, of Janesville pleaded guilty to product tampering.
Prosecutors allege that Drum removed fentanyl from vials and replaced it with saline, then resealed the vials with superglue. Drum then allegedly put the tampered vials into an automated medication dispensing system so that could be used with other patients.
In November 2021, hospital staff confronted Drum after an audit of machine transactions in her name allegedly showed she had an excessive pattern of fentanyl overrides and wastes in comparison with other employees. Drum was asked to take a drug test, but she refused and resigned.
DOJ officials said they are recommending the Court sentence Drum to 18 months in prison and fine her $30,000.
Where the Diversion Occurred:
SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Janesville
3400 E Racine St, Janesville, WI 53546, USA
Type of Healthcare Facility:
Hospital
Person Diverting:
Dawn Drum
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?
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
