BELLINGHAM - The state suspended the license of a former registered nurse after accusing her of removing sedatives and painkillers from St. Joseph hospital for her own use, according to an order filed May 18 by the Department of Health.

Aeron A. Ries, 40, must provide proof of being drug- and alcohol-free for two years before getting her license back. She let her credentials expire in January but can apply to renew them.

The state charged Ries of taking drugs known by the brand names Valium and Dilaudid three times between May and July 2011, when she worked at St. Joseph. Dilaudid is a strong, addictive morphine-type drug used to treat severe pain.

Ries is not currently employed at St. Joseph, according to hospital officials.

Ries, who lived off Chuckanut Drive south of Bellingham, may now go by the name "Mouat." A divorce decree from December 2011 said she was going to change her last name.

Reach RALPH SCHWARTZ at ralph.schwartz@bellinghamherald.com or call 360-715-2266.