Oregon media reports that Oregon State Board of Nursing officials acknowledge about a dozen license disciplinary investigations relating to the massive Florida nursing school fraud scandal rocking the nation's nursing profession.
Oregon nurses facing licensing proceedings or job issues over suspect credentials from the involved Florida nursing schools need skilled and experienced license defense representation. Call 888.535.3686 or go online now to retain the Lento Law Firm's premier License Defense Team for all of your Oregon nursing license defense issues. The Lento Law Firm Team and national license defense attorney Joseph D. Lento are ready to fight with you for your Oregon nursing license, job, and career.
The Massive Florida Nursing School Fraud Scandal
In federal criminal fraud charges filed in Miami, the U.S. Attorney's Office alleges the fraudulent sale of thousands of fake nursing school credentials. Over 7,600 aspiring nurses, many of them African and Haitian immigrants, have allegedly used the suspect credentials for nursing licenses and jobs nationwide. The HHS Operation Nightingale enforcement action leading to the criminal charges has drawn state licensing officials into the fray nationwide. The massive fraud scheme rocking the nursing profession centers on these now-closed Florida nursing schools:
- Quisqueya Health Care Academy;
- Siena College;
- Sacred Heart International Institute;
- MedLife Institute West Palm Beach;
- Quisqueya School of Nursing called Sunshine Academy; and
- Palm Beach School of Nursing.
Oregon Board of Nursing Investigations
The Oregon State Board of Nursing hasn't publicly identified the dozen or so Oregon nurses involved in the Florida nursing school fraud scandal. The Board also hasn't identified the hospitals or other healthcare employers for whom the involved nurses work. But the media report indicates that the State Board of Nursing will meet to determine the fate of their licensing cases. Oregon is not alone in this respect. Other state licensing boards nationwide are also following Operation Nightingale officials in fraud investigations, according to a National Council of State Boards of Nursing press release and other public reports and private information. Oregon nurses with credentials from the suspect Florida schools need to prepare for license disciplinary proceedings.
Oregon Board of Nursing Licensing Authority
Oregon's Nurse Practice Act authorizes the Oregon State Board of Nursing to adopt educational requirements for nurse licensure in the state. The Act's Section 678.123 makes it unlawful to “sell or fraudulently obtain or furnish any diploma or license or record” for nurse licensure in the state and to “practice nursing under authority of a diploma or license or record thereof illegally or fraudulently obtained or issued unlawfully.” Oregon Board of Nursing Rule 851-031-0006 further provides that “[i]f the applicant falsifies an application, supplies misleading information or withholds information, such action may be grounds for denial or revocation.” The Oregon State Board of Nursing officials pursuing discipline against the dozen or so nurses involved in the Florida nursing school fraud scandal are relying on these and related laws, rules, and regulations.
Oregon Nurse Employer Investigations
Oregon healthcare providers employing licensed nurses, including hospitals, clinics, and homecare services, must both respect Oregon State Nursing Board actions and ensure on their own that their nurses meet educational requirements. If you are an Oregon nurse with suspect credentials from one of the closed Florida nursing schools, expect your employer to investigate. Employers nationwide are suspending and terminating the employment of nurses who cannot prove the credibility of their suspect credentials.
Oregon Professional License Defense Team Services
The Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team and premier license defense attorney Joseph D. Lento are available in Oregon to help you overcome your professional licensing issues arising out of the Florida nursing school fraud scandal. Call 888.535.3686 or go online now for the skilled and experienced Oregon nursing license defense services you need for your best outcome.
