Plea hearing set for nurse accused of diluting drugs at Kansas nursing home

A nurse with a history of drug abuse who is accused of diluting drugs at a Kansas nursing home may have reached a plea deal with prosecutors.

A court filing Monday shows Deborah J. Riggs of Goddard is scheduled for a change-of-plea hearing on Dec. 13 before U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson in Topeka.

The 55-year-old nurse is accused in a 10-count indictment with tampering with a consumer product and adulteration of drugs. The charges allege she diluted morphine solutions intended for five patients at the Halstead Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Riggs has a previous drug-related conviction and had her nursing license suspended twice after previous allegations of stealing controlled substances.