State: Nursing home caregiver stole painkillers, worked while under the influence
A Howard County nursing home worker accused of stealing residents' painkillers and working under the influence has agreed to surrender his license.
The Iowa Board of Nursing alleges that in November 2025, it fielded a complaint that licensed practical nurse John Patrick Kollman of Cresco, while employed at a nursing home in Elma, stole skin patches containing the powerful opioid painkiller fentanyl.
According to the board, Kollman was captured on video at the home removing fentanyl patches from a medication cart and taking them into a medication storage room in violation of the home's policies. Later, another nurse allegedly attempted to retrieve the patches from the medication cart and found that multiple packages of fentanyl patches were either empty, cut open or opened and then taped shut.
According to the board, Kollman later admitted he had previously been addicted to cocaine and opiates and had used both marijuana and kratom.
In April 2026, the Iowa Medicaid Fraud Control Unit allegedly reported to the board that Kollman had admitted stealing fentanyl patches from residents of the Elma care facility. According to the board, the unit also alleged Kollman admitted to working at the home while under the influence of kratom, a drug that can have mind-altering, psychoactive effects on users.
Kollman recently agreed to surrender his Iowa nursing license with the understanding that he can apply for reinstatement in one year.
State records show that in April 2026, state inspectors cited Colonial Manor, the only skilled-nursing facility in Elma, for failing to protect residents from the apparent theft of fentanyl patches by a staff member in October or November 2025. No fines were imposed.
State and federal court records indicate no criminal charges have been filed in the case.
The Iowa Capital Dispatch was not able to reach Kollman for comment.