Pharmacy Technician Suspended for Six Months After Stealing Codeine and Falsifying Patient Records

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Fitness to Practise Committee investigated a pharmacy technician after she was found to have stolen codeine phosphate tablets from the hospital pharmacy and falsified patient records to hide the theft.

Between January 2017 and June 2018, the pharmacy technician:

1. Removed codeine phosphate tablets from the hospital’s stock for personal use.
2. Created false patient records to make it appear as though the medication had been properly dispensed.
3. Knowingly acted dishonestly, understanding that her actions:
   • Breached pharmacy protocols.
   • Put patient safety at risk, as incorrect records could mislead future prescribing decisions.
   • Could result in serious disciplinary action if discovered.

The misconduct was uncovered when a senior pharmacy technician noticed discrepancies in the pharmacy’s codeine stock levels in June 2018. A subsequent investigation revealed:

• A high volume of codeine recorded as dispensed to a deceased patient (Patient X).
• Records showing repeated dispensing under the technician’s username (FMC).

During an internal interview on 26 June 2018, the technician broke down and admitted taking the medication for personal use.

She was later dismissed from her role following the hospital’s internal disciplinary process.

Findings:

The Fitness to Practise Committee found that the pharmacy technician’s actions amounted to serious professional misconduct, considering:

1. Sustained Dishonest Conduct Over 18 Months:
   • The technician stole codeine repeatedly rather than as an isolated mistake.
   • She altered patient records to cover up her actions, demonstrating premeditation.
2. Potential Patient Safety Risks:
   • Falsified records could have impacted patient care if doctors or pharmacists relied on incorrect information.
3. Breach of Public Trust:
   • Patients and healthcare providers must be able to trust that pharmacy records are accurate.
4. Self-Referral as a Mitigating Factor:
   • The technician self-referred to the GPhC, admitting her misconduct after being caught.
   • She cooperated fully with the investigation and expressed remorse.

Given these factors, the committee ruled that her fitness to practise was impaired.

GPhC Determination on Impairment:

The GPhC emphasized that dishonesty and drug misuse are serious concerns in pharmacy practice.

Key considerations included:

• Public confidence in pharmacy relies on honesty and integrity.
• The misconduct involved repeated deception and misuse of controlled drugs.
• Even though she did not intend to harm patients, falsifying records put them at risk.

However, the committee acknowledged her remorse, insight, and efforts at rehabilitation.

The committee ruled that a sanction was necessary to:

• Maintain public confidence in the profession.
• Deter other pharmacy professionals from similar misconduct.
• Allow the registrant time to further demonstrate her rehabilitation.

Sanction:

The committee imposed a six-month suspension, considering:

• Aggravating Factors:
  • The misconduct was deliberate and sustained over 18 months.
  • It involved repeated falsification of patient records.
  • The technician took a significant quantity of codeine for personal use.
• Mitigating Factors:
  • She self-referred to the GPhC, showing accountability.
  • She expressed genuine remorse and took steps towards rehabilitation.
  • She had no prior disciplinary issues and was considered a competent professional before this incident.

The committee determined that removal from the register was not necessary, as:

• She had shown significant insight into her misconduct.
• There was a low risk of repetition, based on her efforts to rebuild trust.
• A six-month suspension was deemed sufficient to uphold professional standards.

Key Learning Points for Pharmacy Professionals:

This case highlights critical lessons for pharmacy professionals regarding integrity, professional conduct, and drug misuse.

1. Dishonesty Has Severe Consequences:
   • The GPhC treats dishonesty very seriously, even when no patient harm occurs.
   • Stealing medication and falsifying records can lead to removal from the register.
2. Drug Misuse by Pharmacy Professionals is a Serious Concern:
   • Pharmacy professionals must seek help if they are struggling with medication misuse.
   • Accessing controlled drugs dishonestly will result in disciplinary action.
3. Integrity is a Fundamental Requirement in Pharmacy Practice:
   • Patients and healthcare providers must be able to trust pharmacy records.
   • Falsifying records undermines confidence in the profession.
4. Reporting Issues Early Can Prevent Escalation:
   • The technician failed to report her actions or seek support, leading to prolonged misconduct.
   • If facing workplace pressures or substance misuse concerns, professionals should seek assistance immediately.
5. Regulatory Sanctions Can Serve as a Learning Opportunity:
   • The technician avoided removal from the register, but her suspension serves as a warning to others about the importance of professional integrity.
   • Demonstrating insight and commitment to rehabilitation is key to returning to practice.