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Evansdale Today
By the People, for the People
Two Iowa Pharmacists Sanctioned for Alcohol-Related Issues
Pharmacist Benjamin Grote surrendered his Iowa license after a history of alcohol-related incidents, while pharmacy technician Nicole Clausman was fined and warned for alcohol use on the job.
Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:54pm
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The Iowa Board of Pharmacy has taken disciplinary action against two licensed professionals for alcohol-related issues. Pharmacist Benjamin Grote, who now lives in Nebraska, recently agreed to surrender his Iowa pharmacist's license after a long history of alcohol-related licensing problems in both Iowa and Nebraska. In a separate case, the board charged pharmacy technician Nicole Clausman of Evansdale with fraud and practicing under the influence, fining her $100 and issuing a warning.
Why it matters
These cases highlight the serious consequences that can arise from substance abuse issues among healthcare professionals, who are entrusted with the wellbeing of patients. The board's actions aim to protect public safety by holding these individuals accountable and removing them from practice when necessary.
The details
In the case of Benjamin Grote, the 50-year-old pharmacist has faced a series of alcohol-related incidents and licensing issues dating back to 2007, including inappropriate sexual conduct, multiple drunk driving convictions, and positive alcohol tests that led to suspensions and revocations of his license in Nebraska. Grote had sought to have his felony conviction set aside to continue practicing, but was denied. In the Evansdale case, Nicole Clausman's employer reported her for being under the influence of alcohol while at work, leading to her termination and the board's disciplinary action for fraud and impaired practice.
- In 2007, Grote was charged with unprofessional conduct in Nebraska.
- In 2019, Grote was convicted of third-offense drunk driving in Iowa, leading to a 12-month license suspension in Nebraska.
- In 2022, Grote asked an Iowa judge to set aside his felony drunk driving conviction, but was denied.
- In 2025, Grote's Nebraska license was suspended for 30 days and he was fined $2,000 for testing positive for alcohol use.
- In August 2025, Grote was allegedly pulled over driving the wrong way on a highway in Nebraska with a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit.
The players
Benjamin Grote
A 50-year-old pharmacist who previously held an Iowa license but now lives in Fremont, Nebraska. Grote has a long history of alcohol-related licensing issues in both states, including drunk driving convictions, inappropriate conduct, and positive alcohol tests that led to suspensions and revocations of his license.
Nicole Clausman
A pharmacy technician from Evansdale, Iowa who was disciplined by the state board for fraud in obtaining her license and practicing while under the influence of alcohol.
The takeaway
These cases underscore the importance of healthcare licensing boards closely monitoring professionals for substance abuse issues that could jeopardize patient safety. The disciplinary actions taken against Grote and Clausman demonstrate the board's commitment to upholding high standards of practice and removing impaired individuals from the field when necessary.
