Twenty nurses decertified in New Jersey after feds uncover diploma fraud scheme

Twenty nurses decertified in New Jersey after feds uncover diploma fraud scheme
Nurses working in a hospital - File photo

TRENTON, NJ – At least twenty nurses in New Jersey have been decertified by the state after being identified as part of a federal investigation into a fraudulent nursing diploma scheme based out of Florida.

According to Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the 20 nurses received Notices of Rescission demanding they cease any nursing practice in the state.

“The respondents are also required to notify their employers about the notices. Any respondent that continues to practice nursing in New Jersey could face further fines or penalties,” Platkin said. “Each individual will have the opportunity to provide evidence to the Board of Nursing that they have received the appropriate education and training to have their license reinstated.

Additionally, 26 individuals holding a temporary license through the Division of Consumer Affairs’ Temporary Emergency Reciprocity Licensure Program had their temporary licenses rendered null and void as the Board of Nursing voted to deny their pending applications for plenary licenses.”

Platkin did not identify the names of the nurses or where they worked.

The action stems from a federal case that charged 26 people involved in a wire fraud scheme involving five shuttered Florida universities.

The federal investigators found approximately 7,600 fraudulent diplomas were given out nationwide with each student charged nearly $15,000.

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