BC nurse suspended for 3 months for diverting narcotics from patients for self-use

A BC nurse has been suspended for diverting narcotics from patients for self-use.

A consent agreement between the BC College of Nurses and Midwives and an unnamed licensed practical nurse was approved by an inquiry committee on Jan. 22

According to the agreement, the nurse has been diverting narcotics from patients under their care from 2015 to 2022.

The agreement states that the nurse voluntarily disclosed the diversion to a physician when notified of an employer investigation into medication tampering.

“This disclosure ensured that their medical diagnosis and subsequent prognosis and treatment recommendations matched the extent of their substance use disorder, providing a greater likelihood of treatment success,” says the agreement.

The nurse was diagnosed with and admitted to a “disability” with a casual relationship to the conduct issues via an independent medical report.

According to the agreement, the nurse agree to comply with treatment recommendations.

Furthermore, the nurse voluntarily agreed to the following terms:

• A suspension of three months

• Compliance with recommendations of their treating specialist

• Disclosure of treatment recommendations to relevant employer representatives

• A limit impacting access to and handling of narcotics, with concurrent medical reporting, to support the stable return to fitness to practice.

• Limits on working overtime, night shifts, practicing in high acuity or critical care areas and providing care in client’s homes

The agreement will remain in place for a minimum of five years of continuous nursing practice.

In addition, the nurse's name was withheld to protect the personal health information of the nurse in regard to their condition.

The inquiry committee was satisfied that the terms will protect the public.