Tribunal reprimands and suspends nurse, and imposes conditions on registration

13 Mar 2015

The State Administrative Tribunal of WA has reprimanded Mr Michael Cummins, suspended his registration as an enrolled nurse for 16 months and imposed conditions on his registration once he does return to practice.

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia referred the matter to the tribunal in June 2013 after it received a mandatory notification alleging Mr Cummins had assaulted an aged care resident and a patient care assistant while working at Kerry Lodge in Katanning. The notification also alleged Mr Cummins had failed to document patient information and made false entries in medical records.

The Board took immediate action and imposed conditions on Mr Cummins’ registration, restricting his ability to administer medication and requiring him to see a psychologist for anger management counseling.

In March 2014 Mr Cummins pleaded guilty in the Katanning Magistrates Court to charges of common assault in circumstances of aggravation, and common assault. He was convicted of both and received a suspended sentence (seven months’ imprisonment, suspended for 10 months) and an intensive supervision order (10 months).

During the Board’s investigation into is conduct, Mr Cummins admitted that he had:

• failed to administer chartered medication
• made false entries in medical records, and
• failed to keep adequate or accurate medical records.

In November 2014 the tribunal announced its decision to reprimand Mr Cummins, and suspend his registration as an enrolled nurse for 16 months. The tribunal also imposed conditions on his registration once he returns to practice, requiring further education and training.

Mr Cummins was also ordered to pay the Board’s costs.

The reasons for the tribunal’s decision are on the tribunal’s website.

For more information

• Visit the AHPRA website
• For registration enquiries: 1300 419 495 (within Australia) +61 03 9275 9009 (overseas callers)
• For media enquiries: (03) 8708 9200

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