In late January 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) publicly announced enforcement actions against a large-scale fraudulent nursing diploma scheme operated by Florida-based nursing education programs. “Operation Nightingale" included the Justice Department and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. The Board has cooperated with federal law enforcement on this case, meeting with officials more than once. https://www.ncsbn.org/public-files/OperationNightengaleStatement.pdf 

It is a violation of nursing law to procure or attempt to procure a license, credential, or privilege to practice nursing by fraud or deceit. The Board will take any appropriate actions to protect and safeguard the health of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky from individuals fraudulently seeking licensure or working without the requisite education and training.

Due to heightened scrutiny of out-of-state applications, the Board may request that an applicant submit supplemental information regarding the applicant's application, education, and training.

This situation speaks to the thoroughness of the Board's credentialing process, and the need for regulatory oversight of both the licensees and the programs of nursing, to protect the public. Therefore, the Board continues to investigate any allegations of fraud.

Any nurse accused of wrongdoing has a right to due process under the law, and the Board's investigation of various individuals has been ongoing. Because of this, and not to jeopardize the outcome of an ongoing federal investigation, this is all the information the Board can release at this time. Regardless, if the Board has any indication that this individual or any other nurse is a threat to the safety of patients or to the public, KBN would immediately suspend the nurse's license.

If you have any information about a person that you believe may evidence a violation of the Kentucky Nursing Laws, please fill out a complaint form and submit it to the Board as soon as possible. You can submit a complaint here: https://kybn.boardsofnursing.org/complaint​