January 25, 2023, 2:26 PMDoradalton/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Overall, the conspiracy involved the distribution of over 7,600 fake nursing diplomas and certificates issued by Florida-based nursing programs, according to officials."This is probably one of the most brazen schemes that I've seen. And it does shock the mind," Omar Perez Aybar, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General , told ABC News in an exclusive interview.
Investigating agents spent weeks combing through upwards of 10,000 records from nursing schools to move the investigation forward. "As we started to poke through them we noticed there were no real courses the individuals took -- it was simply a cash mill," Aybar said.Nursing candidates who allegedly participated in the scheme would pay as much as $10,000 -- and sometimes more -- for the fraudulent diplomas, Aybar said.
In the indictments, federal law enforcement officials alleged that the defendants -- some in leadership roles at nursing schools -- "solicited and recruited individuals who sought nursing credentials to gain employment as Registered Nurses or Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses ," then arranged with co-conspirators "to create and distribute false and fraudulent diplomas and transcripts" to falsely represent that the aspiring nurses had attended the program and had completed...
"I envision that there's going to be a number of other actions that we'll be able to take," Aybar said. "I'm confident that there will be a level of accountability that all of these individuals will face."
You are either a scammer or you are getting scammed. God Bless America!
There is a global shortage of nurses, would be good to get the overall number up - fake or otherwise.
We do need persons working in medical facilities and such on people who have not the right training !! Any thing fraudulently received is afraud . Peoples needs to go to prison ..
It's fine if they continue in their roles. The Feds allow GeorgeSantos to work with a bogus diploma and fake credentials.
One man sent an industry to nursing homes. It's my pleasure.🤷♂️
definitely shouting out to... NYCEMSwatch and RosenthalHealth
My young neighbour from Africa is a “nurse” n has never demonstrated any type of intelligence around me. Keeps getting fired and I constantly looking for help from me to do basic things. n I swear I have been wondering how did she become a nurse?! I guarantee this is how
What
Are there 7600 nurses out here that shouldn’t be nurses
I now understand all these “nurses” that were anti mask/ vaxxers all over social media. I have 9 nurses in my family , NP, PN, all very smart and studied hard, take job serious. I couldn’t believe these people took the same boards
On the other hand, this does make one wonder just how relevant and necessary these courses are in regards to conduct in this field. Seems it's way beyond time to reconsider a large amount of so-called 'professional licensing' requirements.
Scary. How about some real investigating journalism.
They still passed the nclex… who cares about the stupid classes that make you do hours of pointless paperwork
Jesus H. Christ!!!
I worked damn hard to earn my college nursing degree and worked for 35 years as an adult ICU nurse. They should 'throw the book' at these cheaters. It's dangerous for the patients we care for and was fueled by greed.
U S has become more unstable, unsafe and corrupt than third world countries.
*Everyone's first thought* 'Was it Trump Medical School?'