Roanoke pharmacist gives it up

Lori Rings just couldn’t get it right.

Rings, a pharmacist near Roanoke, was placed on probation in 2004 for drug diversion, substance abuse and mental health issues.

The most recent order contains Ring’s violations as a pharmacist at a CVS in Troutville. Rings took Stadol for her own personal use between Dec. ’06 and Jan. ’07. A Stadol injection is sometimes used as preoperative or preanesthetic medication for pain relief during labor. The nasal spray can be used for the relief of pain as well.

Rings also failed to inform the board of a change in her employment, worked at different CVS stores, worked more hours than she was allowed and filled prescriptions for herself, all violations of terms imposed from her earlier order.

In May, Rings voluntarily gave her license up to the board. Good for you, Rings. The board put her license on indefinite suspension, which means she might be able to seek reinstatement down the road.

Is it just me, or should a pharmacist who diverts drug for personal use even have the option of working as a pharmacist again? Talk about temptation.