Facts
The Member admitted that she engaged in professional misconduct. In January 2020, a panel of the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (“ICRC”) reviewed information received about the Member’s nursing practice. In March 2020, the Member signed an undertaking to complete specified education within 18 months from the date of the ICRC’s decision. Despite receiving numerous extensions, the Member has failed to comply with the undertaking in full.
Discipline Committee’s Findings
Based on the Member’s admissions, a panel of the Discipline Committee of the College of Nurses of Ontario (the “Panel”) found that the Member:
- failed to abide by a written undertaking given to the CNO or failed to carry out an agreement entered into with CNO; and
- engaged in conduct, relevant to the practice of nursing, that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as dishonourable and unprofessional.
Discipline Committee’s Order
The College of Nurses of Ontario (“CNO”) and the Member presented the Panel with a Joint Submission on Order requesting that the Panel make an order that included the following:
- an oral reprimand;
- a 3-month suspension;
- terms, conditions and limitations, including:
- requiring the Member to complete the remaining terms of the undertaking within 6 months; and
- attending a minimum of 2 meetings with a Regulatory Expert.
The Panel accepted the Joint Submission on Order, concluding that the proposed penalty was reasonable and in the public interest. The Panel noted that the Member cooperated with the CNO and accepted responsibility by agreeing to the facts and a proposed order.
The Panel emphasized that entering into a formal agreement with one’s regulator is very serious and a failure to comply with it will warrant sanctions.