Idaho licensing officials publicly acknowledge their investigation of nurses suspected of holding fake credentials purchased from the now-closed Florida nursing schools involved in a massive nationwide fraud scandal.
If you are an Idaho nurse with suspect credentials from one of the involved Florida nursing schools, prepare for state Board of Nursing disciplinary proceedings and employer issues. Retain the skilled defense services of the Lento Law Firm's premier License Defense Team. The Lento Law Firm Team and national license defense attorney Joseph D. Lento can help you fight your nursing license issues related to the fraud scandal. Call 888.535.3686 or go online now to retain skilled defense services for your best outcome.
Federal Charges in the Nursing School Fraud Scandal
Federal criminal fraud charges filed in Miami against dozens of officials from several Florida nursing schools reveal the depth and breadth of an extraordinary fraud scandal. The charges allege the nationwide sale of thousands of fake degrees and transcripts, generating as much as $100 million. FBI agents and HHS officials have publicly disclosed in Operation Nightingale press releases that fake credentials went to more than 7,600 aspiring nurses, including many minority immigrants. The allegations involve these Florida nursing schools closed in the scandal's wake:
- Sacred Heart International Institute;
- Siena College;
- Palm Beach School of Nursing;
- Quisqueya School of Nursing also called Sunshine Academy;
- Quisqueya Health Care Academy; and
- MedLife Institute West Palm Beach.
Nationwide Impacts of the Fraud Scandal
The Florida nursing school scandal is adding to unprecedented staffing shortages and other extraordinary stresses the nursing profession already faces–stresses that federal officials claim contributed to the fraud scandal. The fraud scandal's nationwide impact, reported in national nursing journals and popular media, arose after nurses allegedly used the fake credentials for nursing licenses and jobs wherever they moved or lived. Nurses have also allegedly used the fake credentials to earn nursing degrees from other, credible schools. The fraud allegations jeopardize those licenses, jobs, and degrees, challenging nurses, licensing boards, and nurse employers nationwide.
Idaho Nursing Board Investigations
Idaho licensing officials' public acknowledgment that they are investigating nurses suspected of having fake credentials from the now-closed Florida nursing schools falls right in line with other state board investigations. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing, representing state nursing boards nationwide, declares strongest support for strict licensure enforcement relating to the scandal. State board officials across the country publicly confirm license investigations and revocations related to the scandal. Prepare for state license disciplinary proceedings if you are an Idaho nurse with credentials from the suspect Florida schools.
Idaho Board of Nursing Investigation Authority
State legislators adopted Idaho's Nurse Practice Act to protect nursing patients and the public against issues like the scandal's alleged fake credentials. The Act's Section 54-1404 authorizes the Idaho Board of Nursing to establish education and other requirements for an Idaho nursing license. Section 54-1408 and similar sections require license applicants to certify that they “[h]ave successfully completed the basic curriculum of an approved registered nursing education program or its equivalent.” And Section 54-1413 expressly authorizes the Board of Nursing to withhold or revoke the license of any nurse who “[m]ade, or caused to be made, a false, fraudulent or forged statement or representation in procuring or attempting to procure a license to practice nursing.” The same section grants accused nurses protective procedures to ensure a fair hearing of charges.
Idaho Nurse Employer Investigations
Idaho healthcare employers must likewise ensure that their nurses hold the necessary credentials to meet nursing standards. Employers nationwide have suspended or terminated the employment of nurses whom the employer or state board finds to hold fraudulent credentials from the Florida nursing schools. Absent state board action, some employers are demanding that their nurses with suspect credentials prove their validity with other detailed documentation. Idaho nurse employers are likely following similar practices and procedures to deal with the scandal.
Premier License Defense for Idaho Nurses
Professionals nationwide trust the Lento Law Firm's premier Professional License Defense Team and national license defense attorney Joseph D. Lento for the best possible outcome to their professional licensing issues. The Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team is available in Idaho to fight for your nursing license, job, and career. Call 888.535.3686 or go online now.
