For six years, Iowa pharmacist stole drugs undetected, then turned himself in

The owner of Summit Pharmacy in Fairfield is now barred from entering the building. (Photo via Google Earth)

The state of Iowa has barred a southern Iowa pharmacist from continuing to practice or reentering his Jefferson County pharmacy.

Bryan Vander Linden, the owner and former pharmacist in charge at Summit Pharmacy, 300 W. Burlington Ave., Fairfield, has entered into an agreement with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy. As part of that arrangement, Vander Linden has agreed to a license suspension and will refrain from practicing pharmacy in Iowa until further notice by the board.

In addition, the board has barred Vander Linden from entering the Summit Pharmacy building and barred him from remotely accessing pharmacy records or software.

According to the board, the action follows Vander Linden’s decision to self-report the fact that he has, over a period of six years, diverted “many” controlled substances from the pharmacy to his own personal use. The available public documents give no indication as to whether Vander Linden’s diversion of drugs had any impact on the individuals who filled their prescriptions at Summit Pharmacy over the past six years.

No criminal charges have been filed in the case.

As part of a separate agreement with Vander Linden’s father, Thomas Vander Linden, Summit Pharmacy has agreed to name a new pharmacist in charge and to change all of the locks at the pharmacy. Summit Pharmacy’s license to operate has been changed to “restricted” status to reflect Bryan Vander Linden’s prohibition from entering the building.

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