Gulf County health department worker facing felony charges

A Gulf County Health Department worker is facing charges for illegally dispensing controlled substances, practicing medicine without a license and identity theft. Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Gulf County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Health Monday announced the arrest of 60 year old Barbara McDermid. Police say they have been investigating Miss McDermid since February 2008 when FDLE received information alleging that McDermid was illegally prescribing medication to patients. The investigation revealed that between January 2008 and January 2009, McDermid wrote at least 29 prescriptions to patients using the name and Drug Enforcement Administration number of an Orlando area physician, without his knowledge or consent. McDermid was subsequently charged with illegally dispensing controlled substances, practicing medicine without a license and identity theft, all third-degree felonies. McDermid was placed on administrative leave by FDOH, pending the outcome of the investigation.