Background
It was alleged that the Member committed professional misconduct in 2015 and 2016 by: failing to properly document the administration and wastage of controlled substances in long term care, forging the signatures and/or initials of her colleagues on various patients’ Individual Narcotic and Controlled Drug Count Sheets, and failing to document changing a patient’s subcutaneous locks.
The Member did not attend the hearing and was deemed to have denied the allegations. The College of Nurses of Ontario (“CNO”) called witnesses to prove the allegations.
Discipline Committee’s Findings
A panel of the Discipline Committee of the CNO (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;
- failed to keep records as required;
- falsified a record relating to her practice;
- signed or issued, in her professional capacity, a document that she knew or ought to know contained a false or misleading statement; and
- 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 disgraceful, dishonourable and unprofessional.
Discipline Committee’s Order
The Panel made an order that included the following:
- an oral reprimand;
- a 5-month suspension; and
- terms, conditions and limitations including:
- attending at least 2 meetings with a Regulatory Expert;
- employer notification for 24 months; and
- restrictions on independent practice for 24 months.
The Panel noted that the Member was given many opportunities to learn from and correct her repeated medication incidents, but she failed to do so.