Facts
The Member admitted that she engaged in professional misconduct. The Member stole a sharps container and 10 vials of Dilaudid (hydromorphone) from the facility where she worked. The Member failed to report to the Executive Director of the College that she had been charged with theft under $5,000.00 as a result of this theft, as required by her certificate of registration.
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:
- was found guilty of an offense relevant to her suitability to practice;
- contravened a standard of practice of the profession or failed to meet the standards of practice of the profession;
- misappropriated property from a client or work place;
- contravened a term, condition or limitation on your certificate of registration; 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 disgraceful, dishonourable or 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:
- 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 18 months.
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, by agreeing to the facts and a proposed penalty, has accepted responsibility.