Facts
The Member admitted that he engaged in professional misconduct. While employed at an addiction rehabilitation centre (the “Facility”), the Member attended a public place of business owned by a Patient and staffed by the Patient’s family members and disclosed that the Patient was receiving treatment at the Facility. The Member also disclosed to a family member that the Patient was having an affair with another patient at the Facility.
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:
- contravened a standard of practice of the profession or failed to meet the standard of practice of the profession;
- gave information about a patient to a person other than the patient or his or her authorized representative, without the consent of the patient or his or her authorized representative or as required or allowed by law;
- engaged in conduct or performed an act, 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:
- an oral reprimand;
- a 2-month suspension; and
- terms, conditions and limitations including:
- attending at least 2 meetings with a Regulatory Expert; and
- employer notification for 12 months.
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, by agreeing to the facts and a proposed penalty, has accepted responsibility.