Fake Nursing School Degrees? Here’s What We Know About the Federal Investigation
by Rebecca Munday
Nurse Journal
Published January 27, 2023

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More than 7,600 fraudulent nursing diplomas were distributed as part of a money-making scheme. Find out how investigators discovered the scheme and its consequences...

Operation Nightingale: The Federal Investigation of Fake Nursing Diplomas

On January 25, 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the FBI, and the Department of Justice carried out a multistate operation to apprehend the people involved in an alleged scheme to sell fraudulent nursing diplomas and transcripts.

The operation was named "Operation Nightingale" after Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing who created the first science-based training for nurses. The HHS-OIG partnered with law enforcement to execute search warrants across five states:

• Delaware

• New York
• New Jersey
• Texas
• Florida

More than 7,600 aspiring registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) bought false diplomas to find work with unsuspecting healthcare providers in several states. The diploma represented that these individuals attended the college that provided the diploma and completed all the necessary coursework, so they were able to get their nursing licenses. Yet, they did not complete any classroom or clinical education.

"The alleged selling and purchasing of nursing diplomas and transcripts to willing but unqualified individuals is a crime that potentially endangers the health and safety of patients and insults the honorable profession of nursing," said Special Agent in Charge Omar Pérez Aybar of HHS-OIG...

Individuals bought their fake nursing credentials for up to $15,000. The investigation turned up about $114 million dollars of fake nursing diplomas that were sold across three formerly accredited schools:

• Palm Beach School of Nursing
• Sacred Heart International Institute
• Siena College

These schools are now closed. Boards of nursing in each state are working with investigators to make sure none of the individuals who purchased fake diplomas continue to practice...

Defendants From Three Florida Schools Face Federal Charges

Twenty-five people in five federal cases have been charged with committing wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud as a result of the investigation. Defendants from the Palm Beach School of Nursing are also charged with conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud. The schemes have two types of defendants: the recruiters and the school owners and employees.

Potential Consequences for Recipients of Fake Nursing School Diplomas

Many recipients of the fake nursing school diplomas found jobs in other states. Investigators highlight the critical aspect of the scheme — the risk to patients' health and safety. The investigation has not found or been made aware of any evidence that any patients were harmed as a result of this fraudulent nursing diploma scheme. However, up to a third of the fake diploma recipients may still be providing patient care.

MY COMMENT:
If these fake nurses are providing "professional" patient care today, they are, by extension, supporting the government narrative regarding the jabs...