Official Statement: The Oregon State Board of Nursing and Operation Nightingale
Updated August 21, 2023
The Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) is cooperating with the United States Department of Justice's investigation into allegations of fraudulently issued Florida nursing diplomas.
To date, out of the 7,600 potential fraudulent graduates of the three Florida nursing programs involved with the alleged scheme, the number of identified individuals in Oregon who may be involved with active Oregon licenses is approximately six. Cases against two of those individuals were dismissed during the February 22 board meeting. Approximately 10 individuals have active applications for licensure. The Board has not received any reports of patient harm related to the identified individuals of concern.
During the May 17 board meeting, the board took action on four of the cases. It voted to accept one voluntary withdrawal of RN application, issue three notices of proposed denial of RN application, and issue one notice of proposed revocation of LPN license.
During the June 21 board meeting, the board took action on three of the cases. It voted to accept three voluntary withdrawals of RN applications.
During the July 19 board meeting, the board took action on 6 of the cases. It voted to accept two voluntary withdrawals of RN application, denied two RN applications, revoked one LPN license, and issued two notices of proposed denial of RN application.
During the August 16 board meeting, the board accepted two voluntary withdrawals of RN application.
This is a complex investigation due to the federal and state-level concerns, and the fact that the nursing programs involved, all of which were in other states (not Oregon), at one time held legitimate credentials.
The OSBN is and has been taking appropriate actions to protect Oregonians related to this matter. If credentials are fraudulent, the OSBN may take disciplinary action including revocation or denial of licensure, after providing due process to the individual involved. OSBN investigations are confidential according to Oregon Revised Statute 676.175(1).
We will continue to partner with other boards of nursing, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, and federal law enforcement authorities as appropriate, to detect, investigate, and resolve these allegations of diploma and credential fraud.
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