Leah Ann Parra, an ICU nurse at HCA Florida JFK Hospital, has been accused of stealing potent drugs, including fentanyl, in an alleged attempt to support her addiction. According to NBC Miami, the 40-year-old nurse was arrested on charges of grand theft of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, among others.
The theft was initially discovered by a patient's mother in August when she noticed Parra manipulating medication vials in a patient's room. CBS12 reported that the mother saw Parra inspecting the amount of medication and drawing out the contents with a syringe, replacing it with an unknown clear liquid. A subsequent check by another nurse found puncture holes in the fentanyl vials.
After being confronted, Parra was searched by hospital officials, who found vials of lorazepam and Benadryl in her possession, along with syringes. She admitted to her actions and expressed a desire to seek help, stating her intention to self-report to the Board of Nursing, as noted in the arrest report. The hospital fired Parra and alerted authorities, including the DEA and local police.
Atlantis Police Chief Robert Mangold addressed public concerns, saying, "You get people in whatever line of business and they get involved in drugs and these things happen. Thankfully, we're not aware of it happening a lot at JFK," as reported by CBS12. HCA Florida JFK Hospital spokesperson Kathryn Walton emphasized that the hospital has safeguards in place for proper medication administration and accounting, although no direct interview was given.
Parra's arrest raises concerns about safeguards at medical facilities and the issue of drug diversion in healthcare. Her bond was set at $11,000 as she awaits further legal proceedings. The investigation continues, with responses from the Florida Hospital Association and the Florida Board of Nursing still pending.
