Richland pharmacist suspended after alleged hallucinations, drug use

State health officials have suspended a Richland pharmacist accused of being impaired on the job.

Benjamin David Walling “appeared impaired, confused and seemed to hallucinate that people were hiding in the counseling room and standing at the pharmacy counter,” a state health department news release said.

He also allegedly provided the wrong medication to two patients, the wrong quantity to two other patients and filled a controlled substance prescription for himself, the news release said.

He agreed to a drug test and tested positive for fentanyl, it said. The drug is a strong, synthetic opioid pain reliever.

Walling worked at a Yoke’s pharmacy in Richland, health department documents said.

He has 20 days to respond and request a hearing. He isn’t allowed to practice in the state until the matter is resolved.

This story was originally published April 15, 2016 at 5:36 PM with the headline "Richland pharmacist suspended after alleged hallucinations, drug use."