Pharmacy tech admits to drinking booze before work and consuming patient’s morphine
The state has suspended a Thurston County pharmacy technician’s credential.
Brianne Gregory admitted to diverting and consuming a morphine tablet from a patient’s medication supply in mid-May, and consuming alcohol before work, according to a news release from the state Department of Health.
“Gregory also admitted to regularly drinking three to four shots of alcohol in the mornings before going to work in the evening,” the news release stated.
Gregory has 20 days to request a hearing to contest the charges and the credential suspension by the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission.
According to legal documents associated with the case:
The events took place in mid-May at a hospital pharmacy. During that time, Gregory made several errors while compounding medications.
Gregory’s coworkers said they “smelled alcohol on her breath, observed that her eyes were red and glossy, and noted that her face was flushed. In addition, (Gregory’s) speech was slurred, and she was unable to understand simple instructions.”
Gregory’s urinalysis came back positive for alcohol, marijuana and morphine. Gregory entered treatment but did not complete it.
Lisa Pemberton: 360-754-5433, @Lisa_Pemberton
This story was originally published December 6, 2017 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Pharmacy tech admits to drinking booze before work and consuming patient’s morphine."