Facts
The Member admitted that she engaged in professional misconduct. In June 2023, a member of the public (“the Complainant”) reported to CNO that the Member continued to make inappropriate posts about the COVID-19 pandemic to her personal social media accounts. In August 2023, the Member made social media posts that included correspondence before the College of Nurses of Ontario (“CNO”) and a member of the public (“the Complainant”), which included inappropriate comments directed at the Complainant. The post contained the Complainant’s full name and email address. The ICRC had previously ordered the Member to complete a specified continuing education or remediation program and appear to be cautioned regarding her social media activity relating to COVID-19.
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 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 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 the following:
- an oral reprimand;
- a 4-month suspension, to take effect from the date the Member obtains an active certificate of registration in a practicing class;
- terms, conditions and limitations, including:
- attending a minimum of 2 meetings with a Regulatory Expert; and
- employer notification for 12 months from the date the Member returns to the practice of nursing.
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 accepted responsibility by agreeing to the facts and a proposed order.