​https://kbn.ky.gov/Licensure/Pages/application-status.aspx 

Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) Statement

Federal Investigation – Fraudulent Nursing Diploma Scheme

The Kentucky Board of Nursing protects the public through the development and enforcement of state laws governing the safe practice of nurses (RNs, LPNs, APRNs), dialysis technicians and licensed certified professional midwives. 

​In January 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) publicly announced enforcement actions against fraudulent nursing diploma schemes 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. {NCSBN PRESS RELEASE: https://www.ncsbn.org/public-files/OperationNightengaleStatement.pdf}

In addition to licensees and credential holders, the Board has jurisdiction over applicants, and this jurisdiction does not end if the applicant withdraws of their application. See, Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) 314.099​.

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. See, KRS 314.091(1)(a)​.

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 to submit supplemental information regarding the applicant's application, education, and training.​

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