On January 25, 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and federal law enforcement 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. The enforcement action, called Operation Nightingale, resulted in the execution of search warrants in Delaware, Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Texas. More than two dozen individuals were charged for their involvement in the fraud scheme.

The enforcement action involved the sale of fake diplomas and transcripts obtained from accredited Florida-based nursing schools to prospective nurses, including registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). According to the federal government, those who acquired the bogus nursing credentials used them to qualify for the national nursing board exam. After passing the test, these individuals could obtain licensure in various states and pursue employment as RNs or LPNs. As part of the scheme, over 7,600 fake nursing diplomas and transcripts were distributed by three South Florida schools: Sacred Heart International Institute, Siena College, and Palm Beach School of Nursing. The schools have now been closed.

Update (2/21/23): The Florida Commission for Independent Education held an emergency meeting on February 10 at which the Commission ordered seven nursing schools allegedly linked to the fraudulent degree scandal to suspend graduations and enrollments until March 31, 2023. In addition, the schools were instructed to provide additional information to the Commission within seven days of the order being filed. The following schools are affected:

• Carleen Health Institute of South Florida, West Palm Beach (#5075)
• Med-Life Institute, Lauderdale Lakes (#3097)
• Myrielle School of Nursing, Palm Springs (#7741)
• Nursing Bridges Institute, Pensacola (#6138)
• Palm Beach International College, Lake Worth (#7659)
• Suncoast College of Health, Bradenton (#3214)
• Techni-Pro Institute, LLC., Boca Raton (#2671)

HCAF has inquired about the state's process for revoking or denying licenses obtained through this scheme in order to protect providers and the general public. However, details, including the names of individuals who have fraudulently obtained a nursing license, are confidential during the course of the federal law enforcement investigation. The Arizona and Texas nursing boards have issued similar announcements.

We will continue to monitor the investigation's progress and the state's response and provide updates as they are available.