Guilty Plea Entered in Court
Tara Severino, a 58-year-old nurse from West Haven, Connecticut, was charged for her misuse of narcotics meant for ailing veterans. On Tuesday, she pleaded guilty in a Hartford federal court to obtaining controlled substances by fraud. She could face up to four years in prison for her actions.
Misuse of Medication at New Haven VA Medical Center
Severino worked as a registered nurse at the New Haven VA Medical Center from January to July 2023. She was stationed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), one of the departments dealing with the most critical cases.
During her tenure at the ICU, Severino began abusing narcotics intended for sick and dying patients. Severino would divert amounts of fentanyl, hydromorphone, and oxycodone for personal use. U.S. Attorney for Connecticut, Vanessa Roberts Avery, revealed these facts in a news release on Tuesday.
Narcotics Diverted for Personal Use
Severino devised a simple but distressing tactic for her illicit actions. She would administer part of the prescribed dose to the patient and siphon off the remainder for herself. This spare portion was often categorized as “waste,” allowing Severino to escape detection for a while.
In one instance, she gave fentanyl to a brain-dead patient suffering from seizures. Over the course of nine days, she dispensed the potent painkiller 19 times, taking some for herself each time.
Impact on Patient Care
Severino’s actions jeopardized the medical care administered to several patients. When she used hydromorphone and fentanyl earmarked for critically ill veterans, it often led to a misdiagnosis. Medical staff, unaware of her actions, would often conclude that the patients were not responding to their medication.
There’s even a case where Severino offered to care for a patient who wasn’t her responsibility. She managed to divert his pain medication for personal use before he passed away.
Covering Her Tracks
In an attempt to hide her actions, Severino is accused of falsifying medical records. Official investigators claim she misrepresented these documents to fuel her drug habits without arousing suspicion.
Court Proceedings
On Tuesday, Severino admitted to obtaining controlled substances through fraudulent means. She now faces a maximum of four years behind bars for her crimes. She was, however, released on a $25,000 bond. Her sentencing date is scheduled for Sept. 12, coming up soon.
Unfolding Consequences
This case serves as a shocking reminder of the betrayal of trust within the healthcare profession. Not only did Severino deny critically ill patients their much-needed medication, but she also risked their health by tampering with medical records. This revelation will no doubt spark a discussion about stricter regulations and protocols within medical institutions. The verdict, in this case, remains eagerly awaited, with potential consequences for Severino and broader implications for the healthcare industry.