As Hire Image previously reported, a massive federal takedown of a fraudulent nursing diploma scheme occurred in Florida earlier this year. Now, five individuals have pleaded guilty to participating in the wire fraud that facilitated the illegal licensing and employment of aspiring nurses. These individuals now face up to 20 years in prison for their parts in the scheme that involved the sale of over 7,600 fraudulent nursing degree diplomas from three Florida-based nursing schools that have since been shut down.

The defendants admitted to soliciting individuals seeking nursing credentials and processing applications for fraudulent diplomas and transcripts in exchange for $15,000 per person. These documents allowed those involved to take the national nursing board exam and, if passed, obtain licenses and then jobs. Approximately 2,400 students (primarily in New York) who passed their licensing exams may lose their certification, but criminal charges are unlikely.

These actions come at a difficult time for the health care industry, where there is already an existing nurse shortage. But it also stresses the importance of thorough background checks, using an accredited firm that has the resources and knowledge to understand when credentials are not what they appear to be.

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As always, Hire Image is here to help. Please contact us if you have any questions about your own background screening practices.