The College of Nurses of Ontario alleged that the member, a registered nurse and owner of a nursing agency, committed professional misconduct by fostering and maintaining a close personal relationship with the mother of a severely brain-damaged child client.
The Discipline Committee found that the member's actions, which included attending a restricted family program under false pretences, paying for legal counsel, and engaging in frequent social outings, blurred professional boundaries and constituted a conflict of interest.
The allegations of disgraceful, dishonourable, and unprofessional conduct were proven.
The member was reprimanded and her certificate of registration was suspended for six months, with a potential two-month reduction upon completion of a nursing ethics consultation.