URGENT UPDATE: A Massachusetts nurse has been arrested and charged with tampering with oxycodone intended for a dementia patient at a hospice facility. Lori Robertson, 65, faces serious accusations following her arrest this week, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts.
The indictment details a shocking incident that occurred on March 31, 2023, where Robertson allegedly altered the oxycodone prescribed to a non-verbal hospice and dementia patient by replacing the medication with a household cleaner. This disturbing act raises significant concerns about patient safety in healthcare settings.
Robertson, a registered nurse employed at a long-term care and rehabilitation center in Amesbury, Massachusetts, had access to various opioids prescribed to patients. The federal charges state that she “tampered with a consumer product” that impacts interstate commerce, a violation that carries a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years, along with a fine of $250,000.
During her arraignment on Friday before Judge Paul Levenson, Robertson pleaded not guilty. Authorities did not seek detention but imposed strict release conditions, including prohibiting drug or alcohol use, preventing contact with the alleged victim, and barring her from any employment that involves access to prescription medications.
The court has scheduled an initial status conference for November 24, 2023. As this case unfolds, it underscores the critical need for vigilance in the healthcare system to protect vulnerable patients from potential harm.
The implications of this case extend beyond legal repercussions, striking at the heart of trust in healthcare professionals. As more details emerge, community members and healthcare advocates are watching closely to ensure accountability and reinforce the standards of care that patients deserve.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
