By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law
On June 11, 2026, a Florida registered nurse was sentenced to two years in federal prison after admitting to tampering with controlled substances at a Tampa Bay area hospital by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The nurse removed powerful pain medications, including fentanyl and morphine, from injectable containers and replaced them with saline. She pleaded guilty on August 6, 2025.
Drug Tampering
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that between November 2023 and March 2024, the nurse removed controlled substances from injectable medication containers and replaced the medications with saline. The medications included morphine, hydromorphone, and fentanyl, all powerful opioid pain medications commonly administered in hospitals.
According to the DOJ, she returned the altered containers to circulation for use in treating patients, and then she diverted the controlled substances for her personal use.
Federal authorities determined that her actions demonstrated reckless disregard for patient safety and created a serious risk of bodily injury. The court records did not specify which hospital was involved.
Nurses & Healthcare Professionals Should Take Controlled Substance Investigations Seriously
Drug diversion involving controlled substances can have severe consequences for nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and other licensed healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals involved in drug diversion may face federal criminal charges, state licensing investigations, disciplinary proceedings, and potential exclusion from federal healthcare programs.
A criminal investigation can also lead to separate administrative proceedings that affect a healthcare professional’s ability to practice.
Nurses and other licensed professionals facing allegations of drug diversion, medication tampering, or controlled substance violations should seek experienced legal counsel as early as possible.
Contact Health Law Attorneys With Experience Representing Nurses and Handling Licensing Issues
If you are applying for a nursing or healthcare license, have had a license suspended or revoked, or face imminent action against your license, contact an experienced healthcare attorney to help you defend your career. Remember, your license is your livelihood. It is not recommended that you attempt to pursue these matters without the assistance of an attorney. The Health Law Firm routinely represents nurses, physicians, dentists, medical groups, clinics, and other healthcare providers in personal and facility licensing issues. If you have received a notice that a complaint has been filed against you or that you are under investigation by the Department of Health or your licensing board, we routinely provide legal representation in such matters; often, there may be insurance coverage that may pay for your legal defense.
To contact The Health Law Firm, call (407) 331-6620 or toll-free (888) 331-6620 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.
Sources:
Press Release. “Nurse Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Tampering with and Stealing Controlled Substances at Tampa Bay Area Hospital.” U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Florida. (June 11, 2026). Web.
AHLA Legal Staff. “Nurse Handed Two Years in Prison for Tampering with and Stealing Controlled Substances.” American Health Law Association (AHLA). (June 12, 2026). Web.
Papazian, Alaina. “Tampa Bay nurse sentenced to 2 years for stealing injectable drugs from patients: DOJ.” WFLA News Channel 8. (June 12, 2026). Web.
About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Avenue, Suite 1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620 or Toll-Free: (888) 331-6620.
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