ST. PAUL — A Twin Cities area health care provider is suspected of stealing a power narcotic patch.

The Minnesota Health Department said last week that the staff member at Birchwood Arbors assisted-living center in Forest Lake not only allegedly stole the patch but likely was responsible for medication that was missing from two other clients.

A police officer went to the suspect’s home and saw the painkilling patch on the staff member’s upper arm. At first, the suspect denied any wrongdoing but relented once the officer made it clear the patch was for fentanyl medication.

The suspect, whose name was not released, was arrested on suspicion of drug possession.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate that is typically administered to people in chronic pain, including end-stage cancer patients.