PDF Non-Approved Out of State Nursing Education Programs As we have reported, Florida for years has been at or near the bottom in state rankings for passage of the NCLEX nursing exam. Defendants in the alleged scheme, if convicted, face a statutory maximum of 20 years in jail for the charges of wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy, the DOJ said. Siena College of Health II LLC (Siena College) was a Florida limited liability company, and its primary business address was 7 491 W Oakland Park Blvd, Suite 100, Lauderhill, . Regardless, I broke my back to get through college and go to nursing school, and nursing school didnt teach me everything I needed to know to save a life. Six of the schools Carleen Health Institute of South Florida, Med-Life Institute, Myrielle School of Nursing, Nursing Bridges Institute, Palm Beach International College, and Techni-Pro Institute did not appear at the hearing to contest the action, but the seventh, Suncoast College of Health in Bradenton, did appear and said the current owner was not implicated. FBI Miami and HHS-OIG Miami investigated these cases. The alleged crime "potentially endangers the health and safety of patients and insults the honorable profession of nursing," said Omar Prez Aybar, a special agent in charge at the Department of Health and Human Services with the Office of Inspector Genera. According to charging documents, Sacred Heart International Institute was a Broward County School licensed by the Florida Board of Nursing that offered a nursing program designed to prepare students for employment as practical nurses. Alleged participants in the scheme backdated the diplomas and transcripts they were selling, to make them appear legitimate, authorities said. Leading in Turbulent Times: Effective Campus Public Safety Leadership for the 21st Century. Individuals who feel they have been discriminated against on the basis of any of these classes should contact the Siena College Title IX/EOS Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Clark is prosecuting this case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Grosnoff is handling asset forfeiture. The conspiracy involved the distribution of over 7,600 fake nursing diplomas and certificates, officials said. Federal prosecutors in Miami announced Wednesday that they had charged 25 people including the owners of South Florida for-profit colleges with selling fraudulent nursing degree diplomas and transcripts to people seeking licenses and jobs as nurses. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Markenzy Lapointe; acting Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough, FBI, Miami Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Omar Perez Aybar, HHS-OIG, made the announcement. The indictment charges defendants Stanton Witherspoon of Burlington County N.J.; Alfred Sellu of Burlington County N.J.; and Rene Bernadel of Westchester County, N.Y. with conspiring to commit and committing wire fraud. Since graduating from Northern Arizona University with a dual major in journalism and photography, he got his professional start at OUT Magazine, The Advocate and Teen Vogue, and he's since consistently kept his finger on the pulse of the LGBTQ community. In the indictments, federal law enforcement officials alleged that the defendants -- some in leadership roles at nursing schools -- "solicited and recruited individuals who sought nursing credentials to gain employment as Registered Nurses (RN) or Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPN/VN)," then arranged with co-conspirators "to create and distribute false and fraudulent diplomas and transcripts" to falsely represent that the aspiring nurses had attended the program and had completed the necessary courses to receive a diploma, when "in fact, the aspiring nurses had never actually completed the necessary courses and clinical.". This program is designed for the LPN who feels qualified to . procedures, please click on the following link and fill out the complaint form: Accreditations, State Reciprocity, and Approvals, Guided Review to the Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation. The charges speak to the purpose of a nursing license which is to protect the public from harm by setting minimum qualifications and competencies. Here's what we know: Both candidates stumped in Florida, where Joe Biden has a narrow edge over President Trump in new polls. In This Section Nursing - Dual Degree Nursing (RN to BS) Our vibrant, active community is only minutes from New York's capital, so there's rarely down time. In fact, the aspiring nurses never completed the necessary courses and clinicals. The College reserves the right to change requirements and regulations as necessary at any time without . Investigators allege that Adrien and Predestin assisted individuals in acquiring fake diplomas and transcripts from nursing schools in Broward and Palm Beach counties by falsely documenting that the individuals had completed the necessary courses and/or clinicals. The MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The charging documents describe Siena College as a Broward County school licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education and the Florida Board of Nursing that offers a Practical Nursing Program and an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. 12. Officials said Witherspoon was the founder of the Nursing Education Resource Center (NERC), a Delaware limited liability company located in Newport. Caring for elderly patients in New York and Texas. It is alleged that these defendants arranged with Sanon, who managed Siena College and is charged by information with wire fraud conspiracy, to create and distribute false and fraudulent diplomas and transcripts. In fact, the aspiring nurses never completed the necessary courses and clinicals. They will do all in their power to enhance and honor the profession. 2023 Cloud Security Technology Deep Dive Report, How Mobile Access Control Credentials Improve Security & Convenience. Although they still had to take the exam, the bogus credentials allowed them to skip vital steps of the competency and licensure process, officials said -- and once licensed, those individuals were able to find a job in the health care field. Glenn Garner is a Writer/Reporter who works heavily with PEOPLE's Movies and TV verticals. ABC News' Luke Barr contributed to this report. Now federal authorities have charged 25 people accused of participating in the scheme. Matt on Twitter: "RT @amys_here: "distribution of more than 7,600 The upper division nursing coursework is . Those fraudulent documents didnt allow students to work professionally as nurses. From internships to research to service, Saints get real world experience now, not later. According to charging documents, Sacred Heart International Institute was a Broward County School licensed by the Florida Board of Nursing that offered a nursing program designed to prepare students for employment as practical nurses. The indictment charges Ludnie Jean of Harris County, Texas; Serge Jean of Harris County, Texas; Simon Itaman of Harris County, Texas; Anna Itaman of Harris County, Texas; Rhomy Louis of Suffolk County, N.Y.; and Nadege Auguste of Broward Countywith conspiring to and committing wire fraud. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations, Miami Field Office; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General; United States Postal Inspection Service, Miami; and Florida Attorney General-Florida Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Mid-Atlantic Field Office. Aybar said one of the ways officials were alerted to the alleged scheme was when the Florida state auditing process discovered poor passing rates at three nursing schools. These schools are now closed. Broward College All three schools have since closed, according to officials. The crooked schools and their employees obtained more than $100 million for selling the fake degrees, according to federal investigators. Officials said they had "not learned of, nor uncovered any evidence of patient harm stemming from these individuals potentially providing services to patients" -- but it was the potential for that harm to patients that was precisely the concern. "I am so happy I decided to attend Siena College of Health. The indictment alleges that these defendants solicited and recruited individuals who sought nursing credentials to gain employment as an RN or LPN/VN. It is alleged that these defendants arranged with (Eugene) Sanon, who managed Siena College and is charged by information with wire fraud conspiracy, to create and distribute false and fraudulent diplomas and transcripts. Fax Line: (305) 530-7679. The case against Tierra Young Allen, 29, comes as the seven sheikhdoms of [], SYDNEY (AP) Throughout South Koreas Womens World Cup opener against Colombia on Tuesday, players stayed loose behind the goal. It is alleged that these defendants solicited and recruited individuals who sought nursing credentials to gain employment as an LPN/VN. Main Campus 7491 W Oakland Park Blvd. "For them, it was worth the investment, or the risk," Aybar told ABC News. Siena College of Health is located in Lauderhill, Florida and is dedicated to educating adult students in the discipline of nursing and promoting immediate access to employment following successful program completion. "This is probably one of the most brazen schemes that I've seen. "I encourage those of you -- if you're in a setting and you happen to have someone that may not be practicing up to the standards as you understand it, maybe if you see something, say something.". Please select the link below to access the MSCHE complaint policy: To submit a complaint regarding an institutions compliance with Commission requirements of, affiliation, standards or policies, or regarding an institutions compliance with its own policies or. According to the DOJ's news release, the defendants are accused of selling fraudulent nursing degrees and transcripts from accredited Florida schools, Siena College and Sacred Heart International Institute in Broward County, and Palm Beach School of Nursing in Palm Beach County. Practical Nursing Objective: This program will include laboratory, classroom and clinical practice for students wishing to be prepared to pass the Florida Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses and to be well prepared to serve as a Licensed Practical Nurse. These schools are now closed. But many current Florida schools still have low passage rates. The charges speak to the purpose of a nursing license which is to protect the public from harm by setting minimum qualifications and competencies. Required fields are marked *. : 23-60012-Cr-Singhal. U.S. v. Witherspoon, et al., case no. The sweeping enforcement action spanned five states: Florida, New York, New Jersey, Texas and Delaware, and resulted in more than two dozen criminal wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy charges against 25 individuals. These fake documents represented that the aspiring RN and LPN/VN candidates had attended Siena Colleges nursing program in Broward County and completed the necessary courses and clinicals to obtain RN or LPN/VN diplomas. They each face up to 20 years in prison. Updated on: January 25, 2023 / 8:21 PM Another set of mysterious lights were reported flying over Central Texas on Sunday. EunideSanon managed Siena College. In coordination with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG continues to aggressively investigate bad actors who so brazenly disregard the well-being of others in order to enrich themselves fraudulently.. "Not only is this a public safety issue, but it also tarnishes the reputation of nurses who actually did the hard clinical and coursework required to get licenses and jobs," Lapointe said. Aybar pointed to the pledge of ethics and principles that nurses take, called the "Nightingale Pledge.". : 23-60010-Cr-Smith, U.S. v. Etienne, case no. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Both day and evening and week-end classes are available to applicants. Charges Related to Fraudulent Nursing Diplomas and Transcripts fromSacred Heart International Institute, U.S. v. Jean, et al., case no. The "bogus diplomas and transcripts" allowed fake students to take the national nursing board exam, which upon passing they could obtain licenses and jobs as registered nurses and licensed practical/vocational nurses, according to the indictment. Sacred Heart's owner, Charles Etienne, was also indicted. A bachelor of science degree in Nursing from Siena College, located in Albany, New York, opens the door to one of the most fulfilling and admirable careers out there. Charges Related to Fraudulent Nursing Diplomas and Transcripts from Sacred Heart International Institute, U.S. v. Jean, et al., case no. Have a question about Government Services? Fraud: Palm Beach School of Nursing, Siena College of Health Florida Were it not for the diligence and hard work of the investigators on this case, the extent of this fraud may not have been discovered.. Find your admissions counselor Apply Visit Request more info Deposit More information for: Transfer Students International Students Veterans High School Partnership students Graduate Students College Search Resources Learn More Fast Facts First responders arrived at the site of a plane crash in Georgetown Sunday afternoon, according to officials. Nursing candidates who allegedly participated in the scheme would pay as much as $15,000 for the fraudulent diplomas, officials said. : 23-60007-Cr-Singhal. Use our interactive map to locate an Apria branch near you. MSCHE's complaint procedures are created to address non-compliance with the Commission's standards of accreditation, requirements of affiliation, policies or procedures, or the institution's own policies or procedures. STE 100 Lauderhill, FL 33313 View Map & Direction. The bogus diplomas and transcripts qualified purchasers to sit for the national nursing board exam and, after passing it, to obtain licenses and jobs in various states as RNs and LPN/VNs. It is alleged that these defendants arranged with Sanon, who managed Siena College and is charged by information with wire fraud conspiracy, to create and distribute false and fraudulent diplomas and transcripts. "A fraud scheme like this erodes public trust in our health care system," Markenzy Lapointe, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida, said in a statement. For . 22-60111-Cr-Smith and 22-60118-Cr-Smith). The charging documents describe Siena College as a Broward County school licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education and the Florida Board of Nursing that offers a Practical Nursing Program and an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. The knowledge and skills taught are consistent with the role and scope of practice defined . The indictment charges Gail Russ of Broward County; Cheryl Stanley of Collier County, Fla.; Krystal Lopez of Palm Beach County; Ricky Riley of Broward County; Norberto Lopez of Palm Beach County; Damian Lopez of Palm Beach County; Francois Legagneur of Nassau County, N.Y.; Reynoso Seide of Union County, N.J.; Cassandre Jean of Palm Beach County; Yelva Saint Preux of Suffolk County, N.Y.; Evangeline Naissant of Nassau County, N.Y.; Rony Michel of Monmouth County, N.J.; Vilaire Duroseau of Essex County, N.J.; and Yvrose Thermitus, a/k/a Yvrose Thompson, of Union County, N.J., with conspiring to commit, and committing, wire fraud. HIV/AIDS $15.00. Higher Education. The indictment alleges that these defendants solicited and recruited individuals who sought nursing credentials to gain employment as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse or vocational nurse. "Were it not for the diligence and hard work of the investigators on this case, the extent of this fraud may not have been discovered," Yarbrough said. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Expand with Google Search, How you'll get hands-on with your education. 5 Plead Guilty in Florida Fraudulent Nursing Diploma Scheme For those involved -- "the owners of the nursing schools, certainly the recruiters and, without doubt, the recipients of the transcripts and the nursing diplomas" -- Aybar said, "It was definitely all motivated by greed.". "The indictment alleges that Witherspoon, Sellu, and (another defendant) solicited and recruited individuals who sought nursing credentials to gain employment as an RN or LPN/VN. What is disturbing about this investigation is that there are over 7,600 people around the country with fraudulent nursing credentials who are potentially in critical health care roles treating patients. It offers a Practical Nursing Program and an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. Fraudulent nursing diploma scheme leads to federal charges against 25 HHS-OIG, the FBI and Justice Department worked jointly on the operation, dubbed "Operation Nightingale," in honor of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. The ABC News report quoted U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Markenzy Lapointe and other officials that at this point it is up to the state licensing boards to push forward with action against those individuals under their purview. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Eugene Sanon managed Siena College. This policy extends to all rights, privileges, programs and activities, including admissions, financial assistance, educational and athletic programs, housing, employment, compensation, employee benefits, and the providing of, or access to services or facilities. Siena College Broward County X X 02/22/2023 Suncoast College of Health Bradenton X X 02/22/2023 Techni-Pro Institute, LLC Boca Raton X X 02/22/2023 ***The Excelsior College Program*** Albany, NY X 7/25/2006 Virginia School of Nursing and Medical Institute Practical Nursing Program Springfield, VA X 11/18/2020 . Health care fraud is nothing new to South Florida, as many scammers see this as a way to earn easy, though illegal, money, said acting Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough, FBI Miami. According to the charging documents, Palm Beach School of Nursings objective was to prepare students to meet Floridas licensing and nursing board requirements and become eligible to take the national licensing exam in order to work as registered nurses. Theory $700.00. 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Nursing, Bachelor of Science (BSN) | Broward College In the Palm Beach School of Nursing case, the indictment charges Gail Russ of Broward County; Cheryl Stanley of Collier County, Fla.; Krystal Lopez of Palm Beach County; Ricky Riley of Broward County; Norberto Lopez of Palm Beach County; Damian Lopez of Palm Beach County; Francois Legagneur of Nassau County, N.Y.; Reynoso Seide of Union County, N.J.; Cassandre Jean of Palm Beach County; Yelva Saint Preux of Suffolk County, N.Y.; Evangeline Naissant of Nassau County, N.Y.; Rony Michel of Monmouth County, N.J.; Vilaire Duroseau of Essex County, N.J.; and Yvrose Thermitus, a/k/a "Yvrose Thompson," of Union County, N.J., with conspiring to commit, and committing wire fraud. These recruiters then arranged with Charles Etienne, Sacred Hearts owner, to create and distribute false and fraudulent transcripts and diplomas representing that the aspiring candidates had attended Sacred Heart and completed the necessary courses and clinicals to obtain LPN/VN diplomas. The nursing candidates used the fake diplomas and transcripts they purchased from Sacred Heart to obtain LPN/VN licenses in various states and nursing jobs withunwitting health care providers throughout the country. Co-conspirator 1, a resident of Broward County, was the owner, Registered Agent, and Manager of Siena Education Center LLC and Siena College. The overall scheme involved the distribution of more than 7,600 fake nursing diplomas issued by three South Florida-based nursing schools: Siena College in Broward County, Fla., Palm Beach School of Nursing in Palm Beach County, Fla., and Sacred Heart International Institute in Broward County. Each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison. Siena College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 1007 North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801. Trump Tires of Economic Message and Returns to Attacks Amid Florida Health care fraud is nothing new to South Florida, as many scammers see this as a way to earn easy, though illegal, money, said acting Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough, FBI Miami. Health care fraud is nothing new to South Florida, as many scammers see this as a way to earn easy, though illegal, money, said acting Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough, FBI Miami. The action by federal law enforcement comes at a crucial moment in the health care industry, where an existing nurse shortage, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has left many nursing staffs spread thin and burnt out. The alleged selling and purchasing of nursing diplomas and transcripts to willing but unqualified individuals is a crime that potentially endangers the health and safety of patients and insults the honorable profession of nursing, said Special Agent in Charge Omar Prez Aybar of Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). Keep public media strong anddonatenow. According to the DOJ's news release, the defendants are accused of selling fraudulent nursing degrees and transcripts from accredited Florida schools, Siena College and Sacred Heart. The professors are very knowledgeable and they take the time to explain the materials.". Collectively, the defendants charged in federal documents facilitated the distribution of more than 7,600 fake nursing diplomas issued by three South Florida-based nursing schools: Siena College and Sacred Heart International Institute in Broward County and Palm Beach School of Nursing in Palm Beach County. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Nearby is California State University at Fullerton as well as Fullerton Community College. As to Sacred Heart, prosecutors allege that that schools owner, Charles Etienne, worked with recruiters in Florida, Texas, and New York to sell fake degrees. The schools, which have since closed, included both Siena College of Health and Sacred Heart International Institute in Broward County, and Palm Beach School of Nursing in Palm Beach County. The schools, which have since closed, included both Siena College of Health and Sacred Heart International Institute in Broward County, and Palm Beach School of Nursing in Palm Beach County. I dont even know what to say except for shame on you. Click on the links here: Siena College of Health is licensed by the Florida Board of Nursing and the Commission for Independent Education. 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In coordination with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG continues to aggressively investigate bad actors who so brazenly disregard the well-being of others in order to enrich themselves fraudulently.. These false documents represented that the aspiring RN and LPN/VN candidates had attended Siena College's nursing program in Broward County and completed the necessary courses and clinicals.
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