On Sept. 14, 2023, a panel of the Inquiry Committee approved a Consent Agreement between BCCNM and Heather Hale of Duncan to address practice issues that occurred on Dec. 8, 2021, and April 11, 2022, related to the failure to monitor and document the assessment of a post-operative patient with an epidural catheter (with bupivacaine) in situ, the failure to administer medication as ordered, and the failure to comply with practice restrictions during orientation to a new worksite.
The college acknowledges that on March 31, 2023, the Registrant allowed their BCCNM nursing registration to lapse and is now a Former Registrant. In the event that the Former Registrant reapplies for practising registration, they will be required to satisfy the Registration Committee that they meet the requirements of fitness, competence, and good character. Should the Former Registrant return to practice, they have voluntarily agreed to terms equivalent to a limits on their practice, including:
- A suspension of their nursing registration for two months;
- A limit prohibiting them from practising in a critical care area, being the sole nurse on duty for their unit, working as the RN in Charge of their unit, providing supervisory oversight for students, or orientating new employees to the worksite will remain in place for 12 months of full-time nursing practice;
- Supervision of their nursing practice for 12 months;
- Developing a learning plan, which will be shared with their employer and with BCCNM; and
- Ensuring fitness to practice through regular visits to their healthcare provider.
The Inquiry Committee is satisfied that the terms will protect the public.