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A Clovis nurse will appear in Fresno County Superior Court on Thursday after being charged with 29 felony counts, the California Department of Consumer Affairs said Tuesday.
Jennifer Steinbach, a registered nurse, faces charges that include 12 counts of obtaining controlled substances by fraud, 16 counts of making false statements in prescription records and one count of practicing medicine without a license, the agency said.
The charges are the result of an investigation led by the California Department of Consumer Affairs’ Division of Investigation, Investigation and Enforcement Unit – Central Valley Field Office.
The department said the investigation found that while employed at a hospital in Fresno, Steinbach allegedly obtained controlled substances including Dilaudid, diazepam, morphine, and hydrocodone illegally. The complaint did not name the hospital.
Steinbach has pleaded not guilty to all charges, the department said.
Roger Nuttall, the Fresno lawyer representing Steinbach, said Tuesday that she “has an impeccable record as a registered nurse.” Nuttall said it would be inappropriate for him to say anything further, but “we are standing firm on her pleas of not guilty.”
The California Board of Registered Nursing is aware of the criminal charges and is waiting to see what happens, said Michelle McVay, board spokeswoman. The board can move for action disciplining Steinbach’s license, as appropriate, she said.