Evergreen Reporter

Mid-Valley Hospital in Omak, Washington, has agreed to pay a $15,000 penalty and implement corrective measures following the theft of controlled substances by one of its nurses. This announcement was made by Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.

The Controlled Substances Act mandates medical professionals to ensure that controlled substances are used safely and appropriately. Both prescribing practitioners and pharmacists have responsibilities to confirm prescriptions' legitimacy and safety. Mid-Valley Hospital admitted that from late 2021 to October 2023, nurse Eileen Lombardi stole doses of Dilaudid, a brand name for hydromorphone HC1, for personal use by taking leftover medication meant for waste after patient administration.

Lombardi also manipulated automated medication dispensing systems to obtain additional doses. The hospital acknowledged inadequate controls allowed Lombardi's actions to go unnoticed as pharmacy technicians did not review override reports properly.

The Washington Department of Health has reached an agreement with Lombardi requiring her enrollment in the Washington Healthcare Provider Services program for up to five years without direct access to controlled substances. A criminal diversion agreement with similar terms was also entered into by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including restrictions on her DEA registration until at least November 2025.

U.S. Attorney Waldref emphasized the importance of proper checks and procedures in hospitals and pharmacies: “Nurses play a vital role in providing life-saving care... It is important that hospitals and pharmacies have proper checks and procedures in place.” She appreciated Mid-Valley Hospital's quick acceptance of responsibility.

David F. Reames from the DEA Seattle Field Division stated: “DEA holds medical professionals to a high standard... this settlement demonstrates DEA’s resolve.”

This settlement resulted from a joint investigation involving several agencies including the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington and DEA’s Seattle Field Division.