A former registered nurse, Euihyuk Byun, has been prohibited from practicing for two years by the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) following an incident where he spiked an ill woman’s tea with THC at a backpacker hostel in Byron Bay. The tribunal issued the disciplinary order on June 18, stemming from legal action initiated by the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) on March 4, 2024.
Incident Details and Tribunal Findings
The tribunal heard that on the evening of December 15, 2022, Byun encountered a woman at The Surf House backpacker hostel. The woman informed Byun that she was feeling unwell. Identifying himself as a nurse, Byun examined her throat and suggested she take vitamins and paracetamol. He then prepared a cup of tea for her, stating it contained honey.
However, the drink was found to be laced with THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. Byun, who was first registered as a nurse in 2014, was aware he had added THC to the beverage but did not disclose this to the woman before offering it to her. The tribunal’s decision noted that around 11:30 p.m., the woman awoke feeling disoriented, with a racing heart and a sensation of being high.
Distressed, the woman approached hostel staff, reporting her symptoms. While she was seeking assistance, Byun reiterated that the drink contained only honey. Later, he admitted to adding THC. The woman was subsequently taken to Byron Bay Hospital by ambulance, where tests confirmed the presence of THC in her system. She reported feeling “creeped out” by the experience.
The following day, the woman reported the incident to the police. Byun was charged in 2024 with administering an intoxicating substance with the intent to cause harm. He pleaded guilty, was convicted, and received a two-year Community Correction Order and a $1,500 fine.
Byun’s Personal Circumstances and Admissions
During the tribunal proceedings, Byun provided context regarding his personal history with cannabis use. He stated that he first tried cannabis in 2012, and by 2016, his use had escalated to three times per week, becoming a problematic coping mechanism. He attributed this to unresolved childhood trauma, neglect, and a sense of family betrayal experienced in South Korea.
In a reflective statement to the tribunal, Byun stated, “At the time of the offence, my judgment was severely impaired by my own cannabis use.” He further explained, “I developed cannabis use disorder rooted in unresolved childhood trauma, neglect, and a profound sense of family betrayal experienced in South Korea. Cannabis became my primary coping mechanism for managing emotional distress that had gone untreated for most of my adult life.”
Additionally, Byun faced allegations of making false and misleading statements to the Nursing and Midwifery Council of NSW on July 3, 2023, by claiming he had never used illicit drugs. He acknowledged these statements were inaccurate, explaining that he had not yet found the necessary clinical support to address the issue truthfully at that time, though he denied intending to deceive the council.
Tribunal’s Decision and Byun’s Apology
The tribunal concluded that Byun had breached the trust placed in him as a registered nurse by administering an intoxicating substance without the woman’s knowledge or consent. The disciplinary action resulted in a two-year disqualification from nursing registration and a prohibition from providing any health services for the same period.
The tribunal also indicated that Byun’s registration would have been cancelled had he remained eligible. He was ordered to cover the HCCC’s legal costs.
In a statement to the tribunal, Byun expressed deep remorse: “I am deeply sorry for the harm I caused [the woman]. I am sorry for the damage I caused to the nursing profession and to the public’s trust in it.”
When contacted for comment on the ruling, Byun reiterated his apology, stating, “I sincerely apologise for what I did. I take full responsibility for it. I would not be able to fully understand how much I made the public feel betrayed, angry, upset, outraged and worried about their own safety and their family’s safety. As a nurse who is trusted by the public, I should have known better and should never have done what I did. As an immigrant, I should have been a good member of society who provides good values to the society. I think about it every day and regret it every day. If I could, I would like to turn back time and not do it. I am sincerely sorry again for what I did.”
Byun stated he is actively seeking volunteer positions and is committed to being a constructive member of society.
