Fraudulent Nursing Diplomas and Connecticut Nursing Licenses

Over 7,600 people around the country hold fraudulent nursing credentials who are potentially in critical healthcare roles and treating patients according to Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarborough of the Miami office of the FBI.  Recently the Department of Justice in the Southern District of Florida filed charges against twenty-five defendants related to a scheme to create illegal licensing and employment shortcuts for aspiring nurses. 

According to court records, the defendants were selling fraudulent nursing degree diplomas and transcripts to individuals seeking licenses as registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs).  The recipients used these fraudulent credentials to sit for the national nursing board exam (NCLEX).  After passing boards these individuals were eligible to seek licensure. 

The fraudulent credentials appeared to be from Siena College, Palm Beach School of Nursing and Sacred Hearth International Institute, all of Florida and all now defunct. 

Undoubtedly federal authorities, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, and the various state licensing agencies are undertaking the herculean task of ferreting out the nearly eight thousand recipients of fraudulent degrees who are not qualified for licensure.  On the other hand, these agencies also have to be careful not to cast too wide a net, so as to wrongful accuse or implicate a duly educated, trained and licensed nurse who genuinely completed the program at one of these schools.    

Having purchased a false diploma raises concerns for both criminal and civil liability, in addition to adverse licensure action.  If you want to discuss legal issues relating to your Connecticut nursing license, contact us today.