Allegations
The College alleged that the Member committed professional misconduct in February 2021 by placing his mouth on or close to a Patient’s mouth. The College also alleged that the Member failed to comply with an order of the Inquiries Complaints and Reports Committee (“ICRC”) to complete a specified continuing education or remediation program (“SCERP”) and to appear before the panel to be cautioned.
Member’s Position
The Member did not attend the hearing and was deemed to have denied the allegations.
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;
- abused a client physically; 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 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 18 months; and
- restrictions on independent practice for 24 months.