A B.C. nurse has been cited by the B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives for twice dispensing incorrect dosages of fentanyl under the province’s opioid agonist treatment program — a therapy program that involves taking methadone and suboxone to prevent withdrawal and reduce cravings for opioid drugs.
Registered psychiatric nurse Mohammed Ghasemi Chaleshtari is alleged to have committed professional misconduct, according to an Aug. 22 citation released by the college. The citation alleges violations of multiple ethical and professional standards violations.
On June 5, 2022, Chaleshtari is said to have dispensed incorrect doses of transdermal fentanyl to two clients in a contravention of usage protocols.
Since July 2021, fentanyl patches have been used in B.C. as part of a range of prescribed medications meant to reduce deaths from a toxic illicit drug supply, according to protocols for prescribed safer supply in B.C.
That policy allowed for the prescription of certain opioids, including fentanyl patches through federally funded programs and those run by regional health authorities.
“Prescribed pharmaceutical alternatives is not intended for treatment of substance use disorders but is primarily a harm reduction approach for reducing the risks of illicit drug toxicity events and deaths,” the document said.
The B.C. College of Nurses & Midwives said the allegations outlined in its citation “are not proven until a full discipline hearing has taken place and a written decision rendered by the discipline committee.”
