OU Nurse is Accused of Stealing Fentanyl, But Can Still Practice Under Supervision
Fifteen canceled fentanyl transactions caught the attention of a controlled-substance diversion specialist at an Oklahoma hospital. A probable cause affidavit described another feature of those transactions: canceling one could still leave the medication pocket accessible.
Now 38-year-old Joseph Muniz, an intensive care nurse at OU Health Edmond Medical Center, faces a felony charge of larceny of controlled drugs. Court documents reviewed by KFOR allege the thefts occurred between Jan. 1 and Feb. 24.
The affidavit says surveillance footage showed Muniz positioning himself over a medication drawer in a way that blocked the camera’s view. Other footage allegedly showed him putting fentanyl vials into his pockets.
The criminal case is only part of his current professional picture. KFOR reported that Muniz is enrolled in an Oklahoma Board of Nursing program for nurses affected by substance abuse and that his license status permits him to practice under supervision.
Canceled Out
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The hospital’s diversion specialist told police that Muniz had 15 instances described as “override cancel or remove cancel” involving fentanyl, according to KFOR’s account of the affidavit.
A cancel transaction ordinarily terminates a medication transaction, the affidavit explains, while still allowing the user access to the medication pocket. The surveillance review allegedly showed more than questionable button presses.
At one point, Muniz was seen retrieving a syringe and needle before going to an area where used controlled-substance drip bags were discarded. The affidavit says there was suspicion he was using the syringe to remove medication left in the bags for personal use.
That allegation remains an allegation. The affidavit separately states that when Muniz was questioned, he admitted stealing fentanyl waste.
KFOR reported that Muniz was taken into custody and held in the Oklahoma County Jail on a $3,000 bond. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Practice With Conditions
The supervised-practice piece has its own system behind it.
The Oklahoma Board of Nursing describes its Peer Assistance Program as a voluntary alternative to discipline for nurses whose competency may be compromised by drug or alcohol abuse. The program uses structured monitoring with the stated goal of allowing a recovering nurse to receive treatment and return to or continue nursing while protecting the public.
KFOR reported that Muniz is currently in that program and is permitted to practice under supervision. Participation does not dispose of the criminal case, which proceeds separately from the nursing regulator’s monitoring process.
Muniz also had professional recognition before the criminal allegation surfaced. An OU Health nursing leader’s public list of 2025 DAISY honorees names Joseph Muniz among the recipients at OU Health Edmond Medical Center.
The DAISY program recognizes nurses for extraordinary care. Muniz’s felony drug-theft charge remains pending.
