State Nursing Boards React to the Fake Diploma Scheme

 On the heels of a federal takedown of a fraudulent nursing diploma scheme

opens in a new tab or window -- dubbed Operation Nightingaleopens in a new tab or window after Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing -- questions remain as to just how sprawling the fallout may be.

More than two dozen individuals have been charged for their alleged participation in the scheme to sell fake diplomas and transcripts from accredited Florida-based nursing schools to those seeking licenses and jobs as registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs), according to the Department of Justice (DOJ)opens in a new tab or window.

These fraudulent documents allowed purchasers to sit for the national nursing board exam, and if they passed it, to obtain licenses and jobs in various states, the DOJ said. Overall, the scheme involved the distribution of more than 7,600 fake diplomas issued by a trio of since-shuttered schools: Siena College and Sacred Heart International Institute, both in Broward County, and Palm Beach School of Nursing in Palm Beach County.

State nursing boards across the country have begun taking action against those who received fake credentials, as well as those who were seeking fake documents, who may have been involved in the scheme.

For example, the Texas Board of Nursing announced that it has filed formal charges against 23 nursesopens in a new tab or window who allegedly fraudulently obtained credentials. However, the board noted that the charges are not a final disciplinary action, and that a nurse is permitted to work while charges are pending.

Meanwhile, the New York State Education Department issued an interim update stating that hundreds of licensees and more than 2,000 applicants

opens in a new tab or window graduated from the involved schools. The individuals who graduated from the programs and received a license to practice nursing have been contacted.

"Since the education submitted is not acceptable, the department requested the individual to either 1) return the license parchment or 2) have a qualified nursing program submit verification of acceptable education. Applications from individuals who applied with education from one of the schools ... but who have not been licensed, will be contacted in the coming weeks. Those applications will be held until the applicant demonstrates that they have met the requirements for acceptable education, examination, and moral character," the update said.

The department also noted that it is "actively pursuing additional information from the federal authorities and will take appropriate action regarding the licensure or application status of any individual who is confirmed to have been approved to sit for the examination or obtained their license based on false and misleading information."

The update further advised employers that if they have an employee who is believed to have been issued fraudulent credentials, they should consult their legal counsel and human resources director for guidance, and potentially speak with the employee directly.

The Arizona State Board of Nursing also issued a statement, noting that it has identified 10 individualsopens in a new tab or window with current licenses who may be involved in the scheme.

"If credentials are fraudulent, the board has the ability to revoke or deny licensure, after providing due process to the individual involved," the statement said.

The board further explained that individuals identified by the investigation as possibly having illegitimate credentials have been flagged in the National Council of State Boards of Nursing nationwide data system. "This means that all state boards of nursing, including Arizona's, can monitor the individuals until their case is resolved. Once a disciplinary action has been taken by one state board of nursing related to diploma fraud, all of the other state boards of nursing will have access to that information in order to prevent additional fraud."

According to WSB-TV in Georgia

opens in a new tab or window, while the state has 22 practicing nurses who have been identified as allegedly fraudulently obtaining their licenses, the nurses are maintaining their innocence, raising the question of whether there may be others who plan to take the same stance.

"While we have not received reports from our members about this issue, all leaders in nursing education must take reports of alleged fraud seriously," said Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, president and CEO of the National League for Nursing, which represents nurse faculty and nursing education programs, in a statement provided to MedPage Today. "Prospective nursing students should do their research to make sure they are applying to a legitimate nursing school or program, including members of the National League for Nursing. Many schools and programs have achieved accreditation, such as with the NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation ... which demonstrates that they meet high quality standards. The National League for Nursing encourages all nursing schools and programs to pursue accreditation to ensure they are recognized as reputable, quality programs."

https://www.medpagetoday.com/special-reports/features/103259