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On January 25, 2023, the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida announced that charges had been filed against 25 individuals, alleging their involvement in a wire fraud scheme to sell fake nursing diplomas and transcripts, enabling the purchasers to sit for the national nursing board licensing exam and apply for nursing jobs in various states.
According to the US Department of Justice (DOJ), more than 7,600 fake nursing diplomas were issued from three South Florida-based accredited nursing schools. Because the full number and locations of individuals who used the fraudulent licenses to obtain licensure and employment remain unknown, hospitals and health systems are on notice and must act quickly to identify employees who may be providing patient care under false pretenses.
In addition to possibly placing patients at greater risk as a result of receiving medical attention from unqualified individuals, the organizations themselves face potential civil, regulatory, and criminal liability should they fail to take action.