A B.C. nurse falsifying records to cover theft of narcotics for their own use could have harmed patients, the B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives said in a Nov. 5 disciplinary notice.
A college panel of inquiry said falsification of patients’ medical records left the impression patients were requiring more narcotic medication than what was actually administered.
The college said the falsification in incidents between December 2022 and February 2023 was “a practice that potentially could have resulted in patient harm.”
The public notice noted the nurse, who is unnamed to protect private medical information, has a history of narcotic diversion and regulatory intervention.
The nurse has admitted to having a problem and has agreed to comply with the treatment recommendations.
The panel imposed a one-week suspension and a public reprimand; enrolment in a medical monitoring agreement for 36 months; a limit restricting access to and handling of narcotics, benzodiazepines, controlled substances, and the other drugs; and a limit that they not act as the nurse-in-charge, work night shifts, have supervision over students or be involved in the orientation of staff, all for six months.
As well, they cannot work overtime for a year and must follow a return-to-work plan implemented by their employer.
The agreement will remain in place for a minimum of four years of continuous nursing practice.
“The inquiry committee is satisfied that the terms will protect the public,” the notice said.
