2 B.C. nurses punished for 'diverting narcotics'
Two B.C. nurses were disciplined by their professional college this week for diverting narcotics from their workplaces.
The B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives posted the consent agreements with the two registered nurses on its website this week. There is no indication that the cases are related, and limited details about each one have been provided, reflecting the nurses' rights to keep their personal health information private.
Neither nurse is named, nor is their age, gender or place of work specified.
The first consent agreement was accepted by the college's inquiry committee on Nov. 20.
"The concerns giving rise to the complaint included the registrant diverting medication, including narcotics, from the employer, and falsification of records in order to conceal the diversion activities," a summary of the agreement on the BCCNM website reads.
Under the consent agreement, the nurse agreed to limits on their practice "designed to prevent the circumstances leading to the practice concern from reoccurring."
"The registrant provided an independent medical assessment documenting health concerns to BCCNM which could impact their ability to provide safe patient care," the summary reads. "The independent medical assessment identified the registrant as fit to practice nursing, and they provided information regarding compliance with treatment recommendations."
The consent agreement will remain in place for a minimum of three years, according to the college.
The second case saw a consent agreement accepted by the college's inquiry committee on Nov. 21.
The complaint in this case also involved a registered nurse "diverting narcotics medication from the workplace." The nurse was also accused of "being impaired at work" and "attempting to engage a client in an effort to obscure diversion activities," according to a summary of the consent agreement.
This nurse, too, provided an independent medical assessment regarding a health concern, and agreed to limits on their practice.
The nurse was given a reprimand and "a limit on narcotics access and handling, designed to prevent the risk of reoccurring circumstances that led to the practice concern."
The consent agreement will remain in place for four years, according to the college.
"The inquiry committee is satisfied that the terms will protect the public," both summaries conclude.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
The Indian couple killed in a wrong-way police chase crash on Highway 401 earlier this week has been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
2 charged after police find 'concerning and diverse' explosives at Manitoba home
Winnipeg police say they have arrested two people in their 20s after a large amount of explosives were found in a home outside of Winnipeg, Man.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Spain abolishes national bullfighting award in cultural shift
Spain scrapped an annual bullfighting award on Friday, prompting a rebuke from conservatives over a backlash against a centuries-old tradition they see as an art form but which has run into growing concern for animal welfare.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.