Dishonesty by falsifying time sheet and travel expense claims

The NHS Counter Fraud Unit of the local NHS Trust raised concerns about a physiotherapist. On numerous occasions, the registrant submitted timesheets and claimed payments for hours they did not work. They also submitted timesheets purporting to be signed by a colleague when they had not been, and claimed travel expenses to which they were not entitled and after they were no longer employed.

A Conduct and Competence Committee Panel considered the allegation against the registrant, who did not attend the hearing. Having found most of the facts proved, the Panel determined that the registrant’s actions were dishonest and that they would have known they were. The Panel decided that such behaviour fell far below the standards expected of a registrant and amounted to misconduct.

Although this allegation did not concern issues of public protection, the Panel decided that a finding of impairment was necessary. It was necessary to uphold and maintain proper standards, and maintain confidence in the profession. As the registrant did not engage with the process, the Panel had no evidence of remorse or insight. The Panel considered that there were no mitigating factors in this case. The Panel agreed that any lesser sanction than a striking-off order would not meet the wider public interest. The Panel thought that any lesser sanction would not act as a deterrent to other registrants. It would, also, not uphold the reputation of the profession and maintain public confidence in the regulatory process.