Public reports indicate that the Missouri State Board of Nursing is among nurse licensing boards nationwide investigating nurses with credentials from the Florida nursing schools alleged to have sold thousands of fraudulent nursing school credentials.
If Missouri has licensed you to practice nursing in the state, but you hold credentials from one of the suspect Florida nursing schools, retain national professional license defense attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm's License Defense Team to help you prepare for and fight your nursing license issues. Call 888.535.3686 or go online now to retain attorney Lento to represent you in the nursing license discipline process and with your nursing employer.
Fraud Charges Allege the Florida Nursing School Scandal
When the U.S. Attorney's Office in Miami filed criminal fraud charges against more than two dozen officials at the suspect Florida nursing schools, the charges triggered a national nursing license scandal. The federal charges allege that the defendant officials sold fraudulent degrees and transcripts to thousands of nursing students. Many of those students used the credentials to qualify for state licensure and win nursing jobs. The Department of Health & Human Services' Operation Nightingale alleges the fraud scandal involved these now-closed Florida nursing schools:
- Quisqueya Health Care Academy;
- Quisqueya School of Nursing called Sunshine Academy;
- MedLife Institute West Palm Beach;
- Palm Beach School of Nursing;
- Siena College; and
- Sacred Heart International Institute.
Missouri State Board of Nursing Investigation
According to public reports, the Missouri State Board of Nursing has confirmed its investigation into nurses licensed and practicing in the state who may have used fraudulent credentials for state licensure. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing indicates that state licensing boards across the country are also cooperating in the Operation Nightingale enforcement action.
Missouri State Board of Nursing Authority
Missouri's Nursing Practice Act requires Missouri's State Board of Nursing to uphold educational standards for licensing Missouri nurses. The Act's Section 335.046 expressly requires nursing license applicants to certify the accuracy of their credentials: “Each application shall contain a statement that it is made under oath or affirmation and that its representations are true and correct to the best knowledge and belief of the person signing same, subject to the penalties of making a false affidavit or declaration.” Section 335.066 expressly subjects a nurse to license denial or revocation for any “[u]se of fraud, deception, misrepresentation or bribery in securing any certificate of registration or authority, permit or license” under the Act. Missouri's State Board of Nursing has the authority to revoke the licenses of nurses with fraudulent credentials from the suspect Florida nursing schools.
Missouri Nurse Employers Investigate
Missouri nurses involved in the Florida nursing school fraud scandal can expect Missouri's State Board of Nursing to notify their employer of investigation and disciplinary action. Employers nationwide are investigating, both at the behest of licensing officials and on their own, to ensure their patients' safety. Some employers are even presumptively suspending or terminating nurses with suspect credentials and referring their nurses to state licensing officials for investigation.
Skilled Missouri License Defense Services Available
National professional license defense attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm's License Defense Team have the skills and experience for your most-effective representation before the Missouri State Board of Nursing and with your Missouri nursing employer. Attorney Lento has successfully represented hundreds of professionals nationwide facing professional licensing issues. Call 888.535.3686 or go online now to retain a premier Missouri nursing license defense attorney.
