The College of Nurses of Ontario brought allegations of professional misconduct against a registered nurse who, while employed at a hospital, also operated a medical product retail business.
The nurse admitted to negligent business practices, including using pre-signed photocopied claim forms and failing to verify prescriptions, which facilitated the submission of improper claims to the hospital's employee benefit plan.
The Discipline Committee found that the nurse's conduct breached professional standards, constituted misappropriation of property, and was dishonourable and unprofessional.
Accepting a joint submission on penalty, the Committee ordered an oral reprimand, a four-month suspension of the nurse's certificate of registration, and the imposition of terms, conditions, and limitations, including meetings with a regulatory expert and employer notification requirements.
