Facts
In October 2021 and February 2022, the Member provided a false and/or misleading COVID-19 vaccination receipt to a long-term care facility where she was employed as an RPN, and to a public health unit when these facilities required proof of vaccination as a condition of her continued employment.
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;
- signed or issued, in her professional capacity, a document that she knew or ought to have known contained a false or misleading statement; 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 6-month suspension;
- terms, conditions and limitations, including:
- attending a minimum of 2 meetings with a Regulatory Expert; and
- employer notification for 24 months.
The Panel noted that the penalty sends a clear message to the Member that her conduct fell below the standards expected of nurses, and to members of the profession that this type of conduct will not be tolerated.