Kentucky's Board of Nursing has publicly acknowledged that it is among the state licensing boards investigating nurses caught in the massive federal fraud scheme that has rocked the nation's nursing profession.
Call 888.535.3686 or go online now to retain the Lento Law Firm's premier License Defense Team if you are facing or expect to face nursing license issues related to the Florida nursing school fraud scandal. The Lento Law Firm's License Defense Team and national license defense attorney Joseph D. Lento are available in Kentucky to help you with the state board, your Kentucky nursing employer, or your nursing school relating to this massive fraud scandal.
Federal Charges in the Florida Nursing School Fraud Scandal
The U.S. Attorney's Office federal criminal fraud charges in Miami against officials at several Florida nursing schools triggered nursing fraud investigations nationwide. The HHS Operation Nightingale enforcement action leading to those charges alleges that the defendant officials sold fraudulent nursing credentials to thousands of African and Haitian immigrants and other individuals. Those individuals allegedly may have gained nursing licensure, jobs, and graduate education using the suspect credentials. The Florida nursing schools closed in the massive scandal's wake include:
- Quisqueya Health Care Academy;
- Siena College;
- MedLife Institute West Palm Beach;
- Sacred Heart International Institute;
- Quisqueya School of Nursing called Sunshine Academy; and
- Palm Beach School of Nursing.
Kentucky Board of Nursing Investigations
A Kentucky Board of Nursing spokesperson has publicly indicated that the Board's investigation into the Florida nursing school fraud scandal is ongoing. The Board's spokesperson further indicates that the Board intends to immediately suspend the license of any nurse whose inadequate qualifications threaten public or patient safety. Other state licensing boards across the country are also coordinating with Operation Nightingale officials supporting nursing school fraud investigations, according to a National Council of State Boards of Nursing press release. Kentucky nurses with suspect credentials from one of the Florida schools should prepare for license disciplinary proceedings.
Kentucky Board of Nursing Licensing Authority
Kentucky's Nurse Practice Act authorizes the Kentucky Board of Nursing to establish rules and regulations governing Kentucky nursing practice. Those standards include minimum educational requirements. Kentucky Revised Statute Section 314.091 expressly authorizes the Board of Nursing to deny a license to or revoke a license of a nurse “guilty of fraud or deceit in procuring or attempting to procure a license, credential, or privilege to practice nursing.” The same section provides nurses facing disciplinary charges with protective procedures, including hearings and appeals. Expect Kentucky nurse licensing officials to rely on these provisions to investigate your Florida nursing school fraud issues.
Kentucky Nurse Employer Investigations
Kentucky hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers employing nurses will surely conduct their own investigations of nurses whom state or federal officials charge in connection with the Florida nursing school fraud scandal. Employers nationwide have been threatening the employment of nurses who cannot prove the credibility of their credentials from the suspect Florida nursing schools.
Kentucky Professional License Defense Team
Retain the Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team and premier license defense attorney Joseph D. Lento if you are a Kentucky nurse facing professional licensing issues in the Florida nursing school fraud scandal. Call 888.535.3686 or go online now for skilled and experienced Kentucky nursing license defense services.
