Discipline Hearing Process
Any case involving the conduct, competence or behaviour of a registered nurse that is referred for a public disciplinary hearing is heard by the College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan’s Disciplinary Committee. This committee consists of five Members (four RNs and one public representative).
The Registered Nurses Act, 1988 and CRNS Bylaws set out the policy for CRNS Disciplinary Hearings.
Once a case is referred to a Disciplinary Hearing, the Executive Director shall post a Notice of Hearing on the CRNS website, at least 30 days prior to the date of the hearing. This notice includes the charges against the RN, the hearing date, location, and particulars of the case.
The Disciplinary Hearing is a legal process that provides the CRNS’s Investigative Committee and the RN an opportunity to present evidence to the Disciplinary Committee. The hearing is open to the public.
Once all evidence has been presented, the Disciplinary Committee decides if professional misconduct or professional incompetence has occurred and issues a written discipline decision.
If professional misconduct and/or professional incompetence have been proven, then a second hearing is held to determine what penalty will be imposed on the RN. The member has an opportunity to make submissions at the penalty stage.
Penalties
The penalties for professional misconduct and/or professional incompetence are set out in The Registered Nurses Act, 1988. Penalties issued by the discipline committee can include:
1) Reprimand;
2) Suspension;
3) Conditions and restrictions on the Member;
4) Expulsion from the Association;
5) Fine and/or payment of costs of the investigation and discipline hearing;
- Obtain treatment, counselling or both; or
- Any other order deemed just.
Appeals
If the Member does not accept the Disciplinary Committee’s written discipline decision, they have the right to appeal the decision within 30 days of it being rendered to the CRNS Council or to the Court of Queen’s Bench.
Who to contact if you have questions about the discipline process, discipline hearings, or decisions:
Registrar’s Office
1-800-667-9945 ext. 228 or 306-359-4228 (Regina)