Former hospital nurse suspected of stealing prescription drugs at work

UPDATE: A former nurse at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics has been arrested on suspicion of fraudulently obtaining prescription medication while at work between July 2010 and September 2011, according to a criminal complaint.

Michelle L. Reid, 45, of Kalona, was arrested Monday on suspicion of prohibited acts involving prescription drugs and forgery, an aggravated misdemeanor. She is accused of taking Alprazolam, Hydrocodone and Lortab, according to the complaint.

Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Hydrocodone is available only in combination with other ingredients and can be used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Lortab also is used to relieve moderate to severe pain.

UI police and hospital officials wouldn't discuss details about how Reid is suspected of getting the prescription medication or how authorities learned of her alleged crime. But UI spokesman Tom Moore said the hospitals and clinics are transitioning to an electronic process for issuing prescriptions that will make such behavior more difficult.

“There are provisions still for prescriptions to be written manually, but we will be transitioning away from that practice,” Moore said. “We feel that will reduce the risk of similar occurrences.”

Reid's term of service with the university hospitals ended Dec. 10. Her official title had been nurse clinical specialist, according to Moore.

Reid was released from the Johnson County Jail about 10 a.m. on her own recognizance. A preliminary hearing in her case is scheduled for Feb. 21.