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SYRAC– USE, N.Y. — The state has suspended a nurse who diverted prescription painkillers from Oswego Hospital and tried to cover it up by creating phony records.
Licensed practical nurse Ashley Anne Ballou took hydrocodone tablets from Oswego Hospital 19 times in 2013, according to the state Education Department. She attempted to hide the diversion by creating false entries in the hospital’s drug dispensing system that showed she administered the drugs to patients or discarded them, the department said.
Ballou was convicted last year in Oswego County Court of falsifying business records in the second degree, a misdemeanor and was sentenced to probation for three years.
The state charges nurses and other health professionals convicted of crimes with professional misconduct. In a signed consent agreement, Ballou did not contest the misconduct charge.
The state suspended Ballou’s license indefinitely until a doctor or other health provider determines she is fit to return to practice. If and when she returns to practice she will be placed on probation for two years.
The state also fined her $500.
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