The Member was not present or represented by legal counsel at the hearing. The hearing proceeded in her absence.
Facts
The Member was selected to participate in the 2022 Quality Assurance Assessment (“QA Assessment”) process as part of the College’s Quality Assurance Program. The Member was notified of her selection and was reminded on several occasions to submit her QA Assessment activities. The Member failed to respond and failed to complete the required QA Assessment activities.
Discipline Committee’s Findings
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 standards of practice of the profession; 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 Panel made an order that included the following:
- an oral reprimand;
- a 4-month suspension;
- terms, conditions and limitations, including:
- attending 2 meetings with a Regulatory Expert; and
- successful completion of the QA Program requirements.
The Panel found that the Member’s repeated disregard for the QA Program was a serious concern, and determined that the order made satisfied the goals of penalty, including specific and general deterrence, rehabilitation and remediation, and public protection.