State v. Vietz

— We are asked to decide whether actions taken and statements given to a licensed practical nurse (LPN) by a criminal defendant are privileged under the nurse-patient privilege statute. We hold that the statute does not apply to LPNs. Thus, testimony regarding Stephen Vietz’s statements and his handing over of a baggie containing methamphetamine is admissible. We affirm the conviction of possession of a controlled substance.

Vietz entered the emergency room of a hospital and told *872a LPN that he had something crawling in his blood. Because he was acting strangely, the LPN asked whether he was…