Margaret Tuomi

The College of Nurses of Ontario brought professional misconduct allegations against the respondent nurse for incidents involving a mental health client in seclusion.

The respondent was alleged to have verbally abused the client, denied him access to a washroom or urinal, forced him to clean up his own urine, and falsified the patient record to state that staff had cleaned it.

The respondent did not attend the hearing.

The Discipline Committee found the allegations proven on a balance of probabilities, relying on witness testimony, video surveillance, and expert evidence.

The respondent's certificate of registration was suspended for four months, and she was ordered to complete remedial education and notify future employers of the decision.

The Member, a registered nurse, faced allegations of professional misconduct relating to his work at off-site sexual health clinics.

The College alleged that the Member failed to ensure blood specimens were sent for testing, informed clients of negative results when specimens were actually spoiled, failed to adequately document nursing care, and engaged in unprofessional conduct.

The Member admitted to the majority of the allegations.

The Discipline Committee found that the Member committed professional misconduct and accepted a joint submission on penalty, ordering a reprimand, a five-month suspension, and various terms and conditions on his certificate of registration.