Nursing License Fake Degree Case (Representative Image)
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Federal authorities have charged more than two dozen people in a large scheme that sold over 7,600 fake nursing diplomas across the US. The case, which is called “Operation Nightingale,” was announced in January 2023 by the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, reported CT Insider.
Prosecutors say that three Florida-based schools, Siena College and Sacred Heart International Institute in Broward County, and Palm Beach School of Nursing in Palm Beach County, issued fake diplomas to students who never completed the required coursework or clinical training. All three schools have since been shut down, according to CT Insider.
The impact of the case has reached Connecticut, where 58 nurses either had their licenses revoked or gave them up voluntarily. On Tuesday, the state’s nursing board suspended the license of Althea Rosemarie Grant McLean, who got her degree from Carleen Health Institute in Florida, reported CT Insider. The school’s owner, Carleen Noreus, was indicted in February on charges of wire fraud and money laundering.
According to the court records, Noreus sent out fake diplomas and transcripts to help people get nursing jobs. Connecticut health officials said that Grant McLean had not completed the necessary program hours and training. “Without that training, Grant McLean is a clear and immediate danger to public health and safety,” the state Department of Public Health said.
“This investigation found over 7,600 people with fraudulent nursing credentials who are potentially in critical health care roles treating patients,” said FBI Miami acting special agent Chad Yarbrough, CT Insider reported.
The investigation comes at a time when the US is facing a severe nursing shortage. A report by the VA’s Office of Inspector General found that 80% of its hospitals are struggling to hire enough nurses.
