By Louis Achi
The United States Department of Health and Human Services, on January 25, 2023, launched a multi-state coordinated law enforcement action to apprehend individuals engaged in a scheme to sell false and fraudulent nursing degree diplomas and transcripts.
On the list of those charged with fraudulently obtaining nursing license are 18 persons with Nigerian names.
The arrowhead of the operation code named ‘Nightingale’ is the Department’s Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) together with law enforcement partners.
The alleged scam involved the selling of fake and fraudulent nursing degree diplomas and transcripts obtained from accredited Florida-based nursing schools to Registered Nurse (RN) and Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/VN) candidates.
Individuals who acquired the fraudulent nursing credentials used them to qualify to sit for the country’s national nursing board exam.
Upon successful completion of the board exam, the nursing applicants became eligible to obtain licensure in various states to work as an RN or a LPN/VN.
At press time, the Board is working, diligently, with all appropriate nursing regulatory bodies, nursing education program providers, accreditation bodies and authorities to detect, investigate and resolve these matters as quickly as possible.
This also includes seeking revocation of any licensure obtained through fraudulent means.
From Africa Health Report, AHR, checks, the Board will continue to provide more information as it becomes publicly available.
More later…
