A Florida woman has been taken into custody for allegedly masquerading as a registered nurse while providing medical care to thousands of unsuspecting patients.
According to BBC News, Autumn Bardisa, 29, was arrested after hospital administrators terminated her employment due to concerns about her professional qualifications. The woman is accused of fraudulently representing herself as a licensed nurse for approximately 18 months.
Investigators discovered that between June 2024 and January 2025, Bardisa provided medical services to 4,486 patients at AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway in Palm Coast, Florida. Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly described it as "one of the most disturbing cases of medical fraud we've ever investigated."
Elaborate Scheme To Falsify Nursing Credentials
Bardisa allegedly submitted false documentation to her employer and used a license number belonging to another nurse with the same first name who worked at a different AdventHealth facility. When questioned about the discrepancy in her credentials, she claimed to have recently married and changed her surname.
Hospital officials requested her marriage license to verify this explanation, but she never provided the document. Her deception began to unravel in January when she was offered a promotion, prompting a colleague to report her to authorities after discovering that the nursing assistant license she had originally used to secure employment had expired.
Following her termination, law enforcement launched a comprehensive seven-month criminal investigation that culminated in her arrest on August 5. Bardisa was wearing medical scrubs when officers took her into custody at her residence.
Severe Legal Consequences For Medical Impersonation
Bardisa faces multiple serious charges, including seven counts of practicing a healthcare profession without a license and seven counts of fraudulent use of personal identification information. These charges reflect the severity of her alleged deception and the potential harm to patients.
She is currently being held at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility with a bond set at $70,000 (approximately £52,000). If convicted, Bardisa could face significant prison time for her alleged crimes, which authorities believe put thousands of lives at potential risk.
The case has raised serious concerns about hiring practices and credential verification in healthcare settings. AdventHealth has not yet issued a comprehensive statement regarding how Bardisa's false credentials went undetected for nearly 18 months.
Widespread Community Impact And Patient Concerns
Sheriff Staly emphasized the broader implications of Bardisa's actions, stating that she "potentially put thousands of lives at risk by pretending to be someone she was not and violating the trust of patients, their families, AdventHealth and an entire medical community."
The Flagler County Sheriff's Office has established a dedicated email address (fakenursecase@flaglersheriff.com) for individuals who believe they may have received treatment from Bardisa. This resource aims to help potential victims come forward and assist authorities in fully understanding the scope of her unauthorized medical practice.
Healthcare experts note that cases of credential fraud in medicine are particularly dangerous because unqualified individuals lack the training to recognize complex medical issues or respond appropriately in emergency situations. Patient advocacy groups have called for stricter verification processes.
Healthcare System Safeguards Under Scrutiny
The incident has prompted renewed discussions about the effectiveness of credential verification systems within healthcare institutions. While most facilities have protocols to verify licenses and certifications, this case reveals potential vulnerabilities in those processes.
Bardisa was employed at AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway from July 2023 until January 2025, working for approximately 18 months before her fraudulent credentials were discovered. Her ability to maintain the deception for such an extended period raises questions about oversight and verification procedures.
Health regulatory authorities across Florida are likely to review credentialing processes in light of this case. Industry experts suggest that regular re-verification of credentials and cross-referencing with state licensing boards could help prevent similar situations in the future.
