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BOCA RATON
A suburban Boca Raton nurse fraudulently obtained large amounts of sleeping pills and painkillers by “doctor shopping,” the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said in arresting her Thursday.
Authorities say Michelle Gutchess, 46, sought treatment from at least 10 doctors at the same time and filled 87 prescriptions, obtaining large amounts of controlled substances, primarily Ambien tablets but also hydrocodone. An analysis of her prescription-drug profile in March found that the pills approved for her under those prescriptions totaled 4,465.
She filled prescriptions at six pharmacies in Palm Beach County and one in Broward County, the sheriff’s office said.
Gutchess was arrested Thursday following an investigation that began in 2015. According to investigators, she was a registered nurse at West Boca Medical Center.
The hospital released a statement Friday saying that Gutchess is no longer employed there. Her nursing license remains active, according to the Florida Department of Health. She has no disciplinary actions on file, the agency said.
One doctor told investigators that Gutchess filled a prescription that he did not authorize.
Gutchess was released from custody Thursday after posting $24,000 bail. It was not immediately clear what ailment she sought treatment for from the doctors.