Coquitlam nurse suspended after falsifying records, breaching professional agreement

The nurse was employed at the Coquitlam Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, which houses patients which have come in contact with the legal system. Google image

The provincial nursing regulator has suspended a Coquitlam-based nurse after finding he failed to properly care for a psychiatric patient and falsified medical records.

On Aug. 21, 2025, the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) announced that its Inquiry Committee approved a consent agreement with Christopher Parungao of Surrey to address professional misconduct dating back to Oct. 19, 2022.

Parungao’s primary employer is listed as the Coquitlam Forensic Psychiatric Hospital on Colony Road, which is a 190-bed facility housing patients found not criminally responsible or fit to stand trial, as well as prison inmates being treated under the Mental Health Act.

All patients live with complex mental health issues; most with psychotic disorder like schizophrenia, and many with mood or personality disorders which can make them “anxious, paranoid or fearful,” states the BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services’ website.

According to the regulator, Parungao did not conduct ordered checks on a psychiatric patient in his care but documented that the checks had been completed. BCCNM also said he breached a signed undertaking requiring him to disclose all employers.

“Documentation forms a comprehensive record of care provided to a client. Nurses are responsible and accountable for documenting the care they personally provide,” the college said in its public notice.

As part of the consent agreement, Parungao has been suspended from practicing for four weeks for the misconduct related to patient care and documentation, and for an additional three days for breaching the signed undertaking with the College.

He will also face limits on his practice, including a six-month restriction on supervising students, and he must complete remedial education in professional ethics before returning to full practice.

The Inquiry Committee said it is satisfied the measures are appropriate to address the professional concerns and will protect patients and the public.

Parungao remains licensed as a nurse in B.C. once the suspension and conditions are completed.