The Member was not present or represented by legal counsel at the hearing. The hearing proceeded in her absence.
Facts
The Member was randomly selected to participate in CNO’s 2023 Quality Assurance (“QA”) Program. Despite multiple opportunities to do so, the Member failed to participate in the QA Program. As of the date of the hearing, the Member had not completed the required QA activities.
Discipline Committee’s Findings
A panel of the Discipline Committee of the College of Nurses of Ontario (the “Panel”) found that the Member:
- Failed to cooperate with the Quality Assurance Committee; and
- 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;
- terms, conditions and limitations, including:
- attending 2 meetings with a Regulatory Expert;
- requiring the Member to complete the QA program requirements; and
- employer notification for 12 months.
The Panel noted that the Member had the opportunity to comply with her obligations through repeated requests and reminders from CNO but failed to do so. The Member demonstrated a lack of governability and disregard for her regulatory obligations, which concerned the Panel.