Florida’s healthcare system has been left reeling after a shocking discovery: a fake nurse, who was never licensed, had managed to treat over 4,400 patients in a number of clinical settings. The scam artist, who has not been named, allegedly posed as a nurse for four years while working at several hospitals and healthcare facilities. According to an investigation by the Florida Department of Health, the imposter even performed procedures that would only be done by a licensed medical professional.
The vast majority of the patients who were treated by the fake nurse have not reported any adverse effects from the care they received. However, news of the incident has left the medical community concerned about the level of oversight that was in place at the time. As authorities continue to investigate, many are questioning how someone could go undetected for so long. According to a report by CNN (1), the Florida Department of Health is taking steps to identify patients who may have been affected.
How Did This Happen?
The Department of Health investigation found that the individual, who has not been named, managed to convince several employers that they were a licensed nurse by providing fake credentials and documentation. It’s unclear how the person was able to obtain these documents, but authorities believe it may have involved identity theft or some other form of deception. Once employed, the individual worked in a number of different clinical settings, never once being caught or reported for any suspicious behavior. According to the Florida Department of Health, the person worked at several hospitals and healthcare facilities, including uhills hospital and Nakitra herbert dancery Institute, over a period of four years.
In order to carry out the scam, the individual allegedly presented themselves as a nurse with a genuine license, passing themselves off as a legitimate medical professional. At its core, the actions of the fake nurse demonstrate a systematic failure by the system to properly verify an employee’s qualifications. The fake nurse seemingly dodged authority checks time and again, likely mostly due to lax screening or internal controls. The US Department of Health & Human Services recommends a thorough background check prior to employing a nurse (2)
Regulating and Accountability
The state of Florida has been left with a serious point to consider after the finding. Regulatory agencies, such as the Florida Board of Nursing and the nursing practic board need to overhaul their regulations to prevent such occurrences in the future. The public expect high standards when receiving medical treatment or care in hospitals and clinics. To address the possible outcome and provide a safer environment for patients is now on the supervisory platform of state regulatory bodies federal and state. It is committed to implementing the proper measures to prevent such negligence. Once again, the Florida Department of Health (3) Taking action shall exist on those found under investigation, during this incorporation period, a more effecting model of higher regulation may incredibly improve patient care.
