On Thursday, February 16th, the Washington Department of Health releases the names of ten registered nurses (RNs) that have failed to provide adequate qualifications for licensure. In addition, denied the applications of four individuals that had qualifications from schools involved in the Florida nursing school scandal.
The announcement over the arrests of 25 individuals in the fake nursing diploma and certificate scandal rocked the nursing profession. As the weeks go by, more information is being released as the names of those nurses involved.
The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC) released the statement indicating it would be taking non-disciplinary action and rescinding RN licenses immediately. According to their website, the NCQAC’s mission is to “protects the public’s health and safety by regulating the competency and quality of licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, advanced registered nurse practitioners and nursing technicians. The purpose of the NCQAC includes establishing, monitoring, and enforcing licensing, consistent standards of practice, continuing competency mechanisms, and discipline.”
Employers are encouraged to verify nursing licenses through the state’s verification portal and/or contact the state board of nursing.
The ten nurses named in the document all have “CLOSED” when run through the Washington license verification. Interestingly, several of the names on the list hold other certifications in Washington. Several hold LPN or CNA licenses. Those licenses remain active at this time.
Washington is still currently investigating others that could possibly be involved in the nursing school scandal and will continue to inform the public as more information becomes available. For those applying for Washington nursing licenses with documented education from a Florida-based nursing program, additional information and documents are being requested.
