Transportation of presription- narcotic

[kaitte]

I am a private duty nurse. Was recently asked by my very sick patient to go to his sister house and retrieve his pain medication which he had left there as he was almost out and also just wanted them back in his possession. I went and met his sister. On the way back to my patients home I was pulled over, not sure why but pulled over by the police nonetheless. When the police officer asked me if I had any drugs or weapons in my possession, I stated that yes I had my patients prescription and was on the way to delivering it him per his orders. I was then pulled out my my vehicle, cuffed and searched. The police found no other drugs of any sort on me near me or in my vehicle. On the road side standing there cuffed, the police asked me a variety of questions like why was my patient taking this particular medication, i refused to answer as it would violate my patients' right to privacy. They asked what was so wrong with my patient that he himself did not go and pick up the medication. Again I told the officer that I would not violate my patients' right to privacy. I was then read my Miranda rights and asked if i had anything further to say. I stated then that I wanted an attorney. That I had done nothing illegal. I was placed under arrest and charged with possession of a class B substance with intent to distribute and conspiracy to violate drug laws. Mind you the medication was in my patients bottle, the proper med was in the bottle and the proper amount was in the bottle. I don't not understand how this could happen and even after my patient found out what had transpired he called the police to offer an interview either in person at his home or over the phone. The police have refused to do either. HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN?

[amoLucia]

Another 'thank you' for the update.

And a big hurrah for your attempt to take the system to task for improvement. Might you contact a legislator for an interview to describe all that occurred? It would help if the legislator were a health care provider also. I'm thinking of contacting an assemblyman/MD from my neck of the woods for an issue that I believe his medical background would better understand.

[OCNRN63, RN]

Please tell me you are going to sue those policemen who pulled you over. They overstepped in a big way. If it had been me, I wouldn't let that drop.

I'm glad you were vindicated.