Lynden nurse faces charges for alleged medication theft

Allyson Allen, a certified nursing assistant in Lynden, WA, is facing charges for allegedly stealing 31 Oxycodone pills from a resident at an assisted living facility. The state Department of Health alleges that Allen committed the theft on multiple occasions between August and October 2021. In an attempt to conceal her actions, she reportedly replaced the stolen medication with Lorazepam pills. Allen has practiced as a nursing assistant since 2006, but her credential expired in February 2025. The case underscores the importance of accountability among healthcare professionals, especially in settings that care for vulnerable populations.

The Department of Health's charges aim to protect residents from potential harm caused by unprofessional conduct. Healthcare institutions may need to enhance monitoring and oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining ethical standards within the healthcare sector.