Nurse licensing officials across the country are currently investigating and disciplining nurses with credentials from several now-closed Florida nursing schools allegedly selling fraudulent nursing school credentials.
Wisconsin nurses with credentials from the suspect Florida nursing schools face the same regulatory risk of license revocation as nurses in other states that have already taken that action. Retain national professional license defense attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm's License Defense Team now if you are a Wisconsin nurse holding credentials from one of the suspect Florida nursing schools. Call 888.535.3686 or go online now to retain attorney Lento to help you fight your Wisconsin nursing license issues.
Federal Charges Reveal Nursing School Fraud Scandal
Federal court criminal fraud charges claim that dozens of officials at these Florida nursing schools sold fraudulent credentials to thousands of minority immigrants and other individuals nationwide:
- 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.
The closed Florida nursing schools have reportedly previously held accreditation and provided qualifying nursing education. But the Department of Health & Human Services' Operation Nightingale alleges that individuals buying the suspect credentials used them for state licensure and nursing jobs across the country. Operation Nightingale has alerted state licensing officials to the identities of nurses allegedly obtaining the suspect credentials.
Nationwide State Board of Nursing Investigations
A National Council of State Boards of Nursing press release, public reports, and private disclosures together reveal that state nursing boards are cooperating with Operation Nightingale federal officials. Many state boards have publicly acknowledged that they are investigating the involved nurses. Some state boards have already notified nurses holding suspect credentials, demanding that those nurses prove their credentials' credibility or surrender their licenses. Other state boards have already revoked some licenses and initiated contested disciplinary proceedings to revoke other licenses. If you are a Wisconsin nurse holding suspect credentials from one of the Florida nursing schools, you should anticipate and prepare for license proceedings.
Wisconsin Board of Nursing Disciplinary Authority
Wisconsin's Nurse Practice Act authorizes the Wisconsin Board of Nursing to establish and uphold educational requirements for a Wisconsin nursing license. Wisconsin Board of Nursing administrative regulations require license applicants to certify their qualifying educational credentials. Those same regulations also authorize the Board to deny or revoke a license for “[p]roviding fraudulent information on an application for licensure.” In short, fraudulent credentials from one of the Florida nursing schools could lead to Wisconsin Board of Nursing license disciplinary proceedings against you.
Wisconsin Employer Investigations of Involved Nurses
Wisconsin healthcare providers who employ nurses are also generally aware of the massive Florida nursing school scandal. Indeed, employers nationwide have been notifying nurses with credentials from the involved schools that the employers will suspend or terminate the employment of any nurse who cannot establish the credibility of the nurse's suspect credentials. Some employers are also turning nurses over to state licensing officials.
Wisconsin License Defense Attorney Available
Premier professional license defense attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Team are available in Wisconsin for nurses facing professional licensing issues related to the Florida nursing school scandal. Call 888.535.3686 or go online now for national nursing license defense representation in Wisconsin.
