B.C. nurse’s licence suspended amid drug diversion allegations

A medical stethoscope is seen in this undated image. (Shutterstock)

A northern B.C. nurse’s licence has been suspended amid an investigation into allegations of drug diversion, according to the professional regulator.

The B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives issued the summary protection order earlier this month after receiving a complaint from a First Nations health authority, according to a notice posted online Thursday.

“Concerns raised include potential drug diversion, withdrawal of narcotics or controlled substances without authorization, and improper documentation,” the notice said, adding that the alleged misconduct reportedly occurred between February of 2025 and April of 2026.

Natash Flavel, a registered nurse, entered into three previous agreements with the regulator placing limits on her practise last year, according to the notice, which said the recent complaint raised concern the terms of those agreements had been breached—prompting the licence suspension.

“Reasons for the order include there being a prima facie case of potential drug diversion, including dishonesty and lack of professional responsibility or accountability; significant risk of harm to the public that similar conduct will continue,” the notice from the college said.

The complaint from the Nisga’a Valley Health Authority included records indicating “irregularities” in narcotics inventory logs when it came to doses of hydromorphone, fentanyl, morphine, several benzodiazepines, and Tylenol 3.

In previous agreements or undertakings with the college Flavel had agreed to a range of limits on her practise including a prohibition on access to narcotics, requirements to report to the oversight body, and an obligation to inform her employer about the ongoing misconduct investigation.

“There is no minimally impairing term that can be made to address the risk, other than suspension. All undertakings or agreements entered voluntarily by (Flavel) have been breached,” the order said. “The impact of a (summary protection order) on (Flavel) is proportional to the risk, as she has proven a lack of governability for very similar and serious practice concerns over time.”

The allegations have not been proven and the order said Flavel has “generally denied the concerns in question.”

The licence suspension will remain in place until the regulator concludes its investigation or otherwise decides to lift or vary it.