A Nashville woman is facing serious charges after allegedly impersonating a nurse and stealing medication directly from a hospital patient’s intravenous drip. Marissa Denton, 29, reportedly donned medical scrubs and gained unauthorized access to Ascension St. Thomas Midtown Hospital, where she is accused of using a syringe to extract 4 milliliters of propofol, a sedative commonly administered to patients.
This incident, which took place approximately two weeks ago, has raised significant concerns regarding hospital security protocols. According to authorities, staff at the hospital were alerted to Denton’s actions after receiving a tip about someone impersonating a nurse. Hospital representatives confirmed that a non-authorized individual attempted to access a patient’s prescribed medication, prompting immediate intervention by hospital staff and the involvement of security personnel.
In a statement, the hospital emphasized its commitment to patient safety, noting that measures have been taken to enhance security and train staff on access protocols. Denton has been charged with impersonation of a licensed professional, and her case has drawn attention not only for the shocking nature of the crime but also because it is not her first alleged offense.
Investigation revealed that Denton had previously worked as a nurse but had been practicing without a valid nursing license in Tennessee. Court records indicate that her license had been revoked in multiple states due to prior incidents, including being caught stealing a patient’s engagement ring from a hospital in Clarksville, Tennessee. Although that charge was dismissed, her nursing privileges were suspended following her admission of drug use at a Kentucky hospital.
Just two days prior to the incident at Ascension St. Thomas, Denton allegedly attempted a similar act at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she reportedly entered a critical care unit and removed 100 milliliters of propofol without authorization. This pattern of behavior has led to further charges against her.
Denton is currently facing two counts of impersonation of a licensed professional and one count of theft, with a total bond set at over $125,000. She is scheduled to appear in court later this week. Legal experts have expressed concern about the implications of her actions, particularly regarding patient safety and hospital liability. Given the sensitive nature of medical records and the potential for HIPAA violations, the hospitals involved may also face scrutiny for their security measures.
As the case unfolds, questions remain regarding Denton’s motivations and the extent of her alleged drug addiction. Legal analysts suggest that her defense may focus on mental health issues, but it is unclear how this will impact the prosecution’s case. The legal ramifications could include not only criminal penalties but also civil claims from affected patients.
The situation highlights the critical importance of stringent security protocols within healthcare settings to safeguard patient welfare. Denton’s case serves as a cautionary tale about the vulnerabilities that exist within the healthcare system and the need for ongoing vigilance to protect patients from potential harm.