UPDATE: Friday, February 3, 2012

A Kansas nurse who added tap water to a painkiller prescribed for a 105-year-old nursing home patient was sentenced to three years in prison.

U.S. District Judge Richard Rogers on Friday followed the government's sentencing recommendation. Prosecutors struck a deal
with Wendy Parmenter that allows her early release if she successfully completes a residential drug treatment program. It also bars her from working again in health care.

The 37-year-old nurse pleaded guilty in November to product tampering and adulteration of a drug. She admitted that in 2010 she
diluted a bottle of morphine meant for a patient at Rolling Hills Health Center in Topeka.

Parmenter has a past conviction for stealing drugs from patients at the Flint Hills Care Center in Emporia.

Friday, February 3, 2012

A Kansas nurse who added tap water to a painkiller prescribed for a 105-year-old nursing home patient is due in court for sentencing.

Federal prosecutors are recommending that Wendy Parmenter receive a three-year term when she's sentenced Friday, in a deal allowing for early release if she successfully completes a residential drug treatment program.

The plea agreement bars Parmenter from working again in health care.

Parmenter pleaded guilty in November to product tampering and adulteration of a drug. She admitted that in November 2010 she diluted a bottle of morphine on the rolling cart used to dispense medication to a patient at Rolling Hills Health Center in Topeka.

Parmenter also has a past conviction for stealing drugs from patients at the Flint Hills Care Center in Emporia.