The Member was not present or represented by legal counsel at the hearing. The hearing proceeded in her absence.
Facts
On October 3, 2022, a panel of the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (“ICRC”) ordered the Member to attend to be cautioned and to complete a Specified Continuing Education or Remediation Program (“SCERP”). Despite receiving correspondence from the College informing her of the ICRC’s order, the Member failed to comply with it. The Member did not request an extension of time to comply with the order. As of the date of the hearing, the Member had not completed the SCERP.
Discipline Committee’s Findings
A panel of the Discipline Committee of the College of Nurses of Ontario (the “Panel”) found that the Member:
- 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 or a suspension until such time as the Member completes the SCERP and appears before a panel of the ICRC to be cautioned, whichever is later;
- terms, conditions and limitations, including:
- a requirement that the Member complete the SCERP and appear before a panel of the ICRC to be cautioned;
- attending a minimum of 2 meetings with a Regulatory Expert; and
- employer notification for 12 months.
The Panel noted that the Member demonstrated a lack of governability, and that the Member’s persistent disregard for her obligations to her regulator was a grave concern.