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Operation Nightingale and Florida Nursing Education

The State Education Department received information from the U.S. Department of Justice regarding a scheme to sell fraudulent nursing degrees, diplomas and transcripts from six (6) Florida-based schools to individuals seeking licensure as registered professional nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). The scheme allegedly involved the distribution of more than 7,600 fake diplomas to individuals seeking licensure in New York and other states.

The information on this Question & Answer page is provided for individuals and employers based on information currently available to the Department that may be shared with the public during this ongoing investigation. Additional questions may be directed to the Division of Professional Licensing Services, Nurse Unit at (518) 474-3817 ext. 280 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. or by email at OPDPLS@nysed.gov.