Facts
Between September 2021 and February 2022, while working independently as a Nurse Practitioner, the Member issued nearly 400 COVID-19 vaccination exemption letters where such exemptions were not indicated or appropriate. The Member issued medical exemption letters without appropriately assessing patients or the required documentation.
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; and
- engaged in conduct, 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; and
- revocation of the Member’s certificate of registration.
The Panel noted that the repeated nature of the Member’s conduct demonstrated that she was ungovernable. As the Member did not demonstrate remorse or insight, the Panel determined that revocation of the Member’s certificate of registration was appropriate to protect the public.