A New York City licensed nurse who steals prescription medication can expect criminal charges, as well as severe professional consequences. Criminal charges may include Falsifying Business records in the First Degree, Petit Larceny, Criminal Possession of a Controlled substance in the Seventh Degree, Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent or Physically Disabled Person and Willful Violation of Health Laws and conviction can result in several years in prison.

Nurses whose duties include administering medications to patients or residents of a health care facility, must be careful in accurately documenting any medication that is administered. Failure to do so can result in accusations of theft and will be used by the prosecution to prove that the medications were not actually administered.

A nurse who takes the medication herself and covers for it by making false entries in the patient record stating that the medication was given to the patient, is adding Falsification of Business Records to the list of potential charges against her.

In addition to charges stemming from the theft itself and the cover-up, prescription medication abuse can result in impaired performance and patient endangerment, which can be grounds for separate charges and professional discipline. While nurses who are addicted to prescription drugs are encouraged to seek help from an impaired nurse program, you would be wise to consult your attorney first about any possible legal and professional consequences in order to determine the best way for you to get help.

If you are a New York City nurse who is accused of stealing medication, contact an experienced health care defense attorney right away. Do not speak to investigators or anyone else before consulting your attorney: your freedom and your professional future are on the line, and you cannot afford to sabotage your defense with an ill-thought out phrase. Call our experienced NYC health care defense attorneys at  (212) 577-6677 to schedule an immediate consultation.