Connecticut nurses are facing the same licensure risks as nurses elsewhere, if they hold suspect credentials from one of the several now-closed Florida nursing schools involved in the nationwide nursing school fraud scandal.
Nurses licensed and practicing in Connecticut must satisfy the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing and their nursing employers that their educational credentials and other qualifications and conduct meet the Board's nursing standards. If you hold suspect credentials from one of the involved Florida nursing schools, retain the Lento Law Firm's premier License Defense Team and national license defense attorney Joseph D. Lento. Call 888.535.3686 or go online now for the skills and experience you need to overcome your Connecticut nursing license issues.
Investigation Triggers the Nursing School Fraud Scandal
Federal FBI and Department of Health & Human Services investigators conducted Operation Nightingale, resulting in federal criminal fraud charges against dozens of officials at these Florida nursing schools for selling fake degrees and transcripts:
- Sacred Heart International Institute;
- Palm Beach School of Nursing;
- Quisqueya Health Care Academy;
- Siena College;
- MedLife Institute West Palm Beach; and
- Quisqueya School of Nursing called Sunshine Academy.
Although the schools have closed in the wake of the federal charges, the allegations allege that thousands of aspiring nurses used the fraudulent credentials to gain graduate nursing education, nursing licenses, and nursing jobs across the country. The scandal has rocked the nursing profession at a time when hospitals and other employers are facing unprecedented nurse shortages. Those shortages may have fueled the fraud scandal.
Connecticut Nursing Investigations
Connecticut's State Board of Examiners for Nursing is surely among the state nursing license boards nationwide monitoring their licensed nurses for evidence that they hold suspect credentials. Connecticut's nursing board disciplines dozens of nurses annually for all kinds of misconduct including fraud and deception. Public reports and private information confirm that state boards have opened disciplinary investigations against nurses involved in the Florida nursing school fraud scandal, already revoking licenses in increasing numbers of cases. A National Council of State Boards of Nursing press release likewise confirms that state licensing boards fully support the Operation Nightingale enforcement action. Prepare for license disciplinary proceedings if you are a Connecticut nurse holding suspect Florida nursing school credentials.
Connecticut State Board of Nursing Licensing Authority
Connecticut's Nurse Practice Act authorizes the State Board of Examiners for Nursing to set and enforce minimum educational requirements to practice nursing in Connecticut. The Act's Section 20-99(a) authorizes the Board of Examiners to suspend or revoke a nurse's license for improper professional conduct, after following the Act's hearing procedures. The Act's Section 20-99(b)(1) expressly prohibits “[f]raud or material deception in procuring or attempting to procure a license to practice nursing.” The Connecticut State Board of Examiners for Nursing thus has clear authority to discipline nurses involved in the Florida nursing school scandal.
Connecticut Nurse Employer Investigations
Connecticut hospitals, clinics, home health services, and other employers of nurses also have the authority and responsibility to investigate their nurses over suspect credentials from one of the Florida nursing schools. Employers across the nation have been notifying their nurses that they must prove those credentials to be credible or face job termination. Employers are also working with state licensing officials to identify and investigate those nurses.
Connecticut Professional License Defense Available
The Lento Law Firm's premier Professional License Defense Team and national license defense attorney Joseph D. Lento are ready to represent you in Connecticut in any professional licensing issues arising out of the Florida nursing school fraud scandal. Call 888.535.3686 or go online now to get the skilled and experienced representation you need for your best outcome.
