The Member was not present or represented by legal counsel at the hearing. The hearing proceeded in her absence.
Facts
The Member’s certificate of registration as a Registered Nurse (“RN”) has been suspended four times for non-payment of her fees over 15 years. Between February and March 2022, the Member was practicing as an RN while her certificate of registration was administratively suspended. The Member also failed to comply with a previous order of the Discipline Committee, including completing two meetings with a Regulatory Expert and participating in the Quality Assurance program.
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;
- failed to comply with an Order of the Discipline Committee;
- contravened s. 11 of the Nursing Act, 1991; 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 found that the Member was ungovernable. The Panel emphasized that nurses are held accountable for their actions, and showing a lack of respect for the governing body is not acceptable.