The Member was not present or represented by legal counsel at the hearing. The hearing proceeded in her absence.
Facts
On December 20, 2021, the Member was notified that a panel of the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (“ICRC”) ordered her to complete a Specified Continuing Education or Remediation Program (“SCERP”) and to appear before the ICRC to be cautioned. While the Member was granted extensions of time to comply with the order, she failed to complete the SCERP or attend before the ICRC to be cautioned.
Discipline Committee’s Findings
A panel of the Discipline Committee of the College of Nurses of Ontario (the “Panel”) found that the Member:
- 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 or a suspension until such a time as the Member completes the SCERP and appears before a panel of the ICRC to be cautioned, whichever is later;
- terms, conditions and limitations, including:
- completing the SCERP and appearing before a panel of the ICRC to be cautioned;
- attending a minimum of 2 meetings with a Regulatory Expert; and
- employer notification for 12 months.
The Panel noted that order as a whole, including the 12-month period of employer notification, is appropriate as it provides sufficient public protection and reinforces public confidence in the profession’s ability to self-regulate.