The long reach of Operation Nightingale continues after Connecticut suspended the license of a nurse who allegedly obtained a degree from one of the indicted schools. The nurse is one of 58 Connecticut-based nurses who have been caught up in the scandal.

Operation Nightingale was a federal investigation into a fraud scheme of selling fake credentials and diplomas to enable individuals to work as nurses. Authorities allege that over 7,6000 individuals potentially obtained credentials and diplomas under this scheme. Multiple schools are now under indictment.

If you've been affected by Operation Nightingale, you need help. The Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm is assisting those who have been affected by this scandal. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form.

Degrees for Sale

Federal authorities allege that multiple schools, including Carleen Health Institute in Florida, sold diplomas without providing required training. Known as Operation Nightingale, the investigation claims that these schools provided illegal licensing as a shortcut to working as a nurse.

Hundreds of nurses have already either voluntarily resigned or been suspended. In Spring 2025, Connecticut added another nurse to the list.

Althea Rosemarie Grant McLean received her degree from Carleen Health Institute. The Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing suspended her after receiving documents from Carleen that indicated Grant McLean didn't complete the program hours and clinical training that are required to complete a nursing degree.

The board voted to suspend Grant McLean, who wasn't present, until a hearing could be conducted. In a statement of charges, Department of Public Health investigators claimed that Grant McLean represented a danger to public health and safety since she hadn't completed mandatory training.

Over two dozen people have been arrested since 2023 in relation to Operation Nightingale. It is unknown if Grant McLean was aware that her credentials were fraudulent or that the school was a scam.

Controlling Law

Under Connecticut's Nurse Practice Act, the State Board of Examiners for Nursing has the power to set and enforce minimum educational requirements to practice nursing in Connecticut. Following a hearing, the Board of Examiners can suspend or revoke a nurse's license for improper professional conduct.

The Nurse Practice Act bans any fraud or deception in obtaining or attempting to obtain a license or diploma in order to work as a nurse. For nurses who are found to have received a degree from one of the indicted schools, the state board does have the authority to pursue disciplinary action against them.

Employers, such as hospitals and medical centers, may also investigate their staff. They can request proof of a nurse's credentials. Employers have a duty of care to patients, and this extends to ensuring their staff are properly trained and licensed.

Know Your Choices

If you've been caught up by Operation Nightingale, you may be overwhelmed by what to do and how to proceed. You may have been unaware that the school was operating fraudulently. Whatever the reason, the Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm can help.

We advocate for our clients and help them understand their options and how to protect their careers and their futures. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form.