A Canadian nurse has agreed to a voluntary suspension after she was caught creating fake COVID-19 vaccination cards. The decision comes as part of a consent agreement between the nurse and the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives.

“The registrant presented varied versions of events to the employer, witnesses and the regulator, and her conduct was deemed a marked ethical departure from the conduct expected of a nurse,” college officials said.

The suspension will last for six months. In the meantime, the nurse in question will be required to take remedial education courses in professional ethics.

A Rise in Fraud

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control report that 80 percent of Americans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Despite such statistics, demand for fake vaccine cards remains high. Many cities require proof of vaccination for entry into restaurants, concert venues, and sporting events. Employers, too, have begun to require vaccines for their workers. The problem has even worked its way into the NHL. San Jose Sharks player Evander Kane allegedly submitted a fake vaccine card to his team. Upon discovery of the fraud, Kane received a 21-game suspension without pay.

As COVID-19 continues to play a major role in all our lives, we can expect to see more instances of fraud play out in this way. Buyers of fake vaccine cards rarely come clean on their own. When their secret is uncovered by employers, the fallout is often severe. Even with significant consequences on the line, professionals across industries are frequently turning to fake cards in lieu of actual vaccination.

Consequences of Creating, Using Fake Vaccine Cards

It seems some people will do anything to avoid vaccine mandates. There's undeniably a market for bogus vaccination cards, but those creating fraudulent healthcare documents risk a lot by doing so. The practice is not only illegal – it also threatens public health and safety. In the United States, there are at least two different federal laws that may be violated by possessing or using a fake vaccination card. Federal prosecutors have begun bringing charges against people who violate them.

Even if you manage to skirt federal charges, making or using a fraudulent vaccine card is just not worth the risk. The aforementioned nurse will likely carry this stain on her professional record for years to come. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities will think twice about hiring someone with a track record of fraud, too. With your professional future on the line, faking a COVID-19 vaccine card just isn't worth the risk.

Seek Advice From a Professional License Defense Attorney

If you've been accused of creating or using a fake vaccination card, it's important to take action and protect your rights today. Attorney Joseph D. Lento has unparalleled experience handling issues related to conduct code violations and professional license defense. With your future under threat, there's no time to wait. Call the Lento Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 today to discuss your case and evaluate your options.