In a shocking case of medical fraud, Autumn Bardisa, 29, was arrested in Florida for allegedly impersonating a registered nurse and treating over 4,400 patients using a stolen nursing license number. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Florida Department of Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, conducted a seven-month investigation that revealed Bardisa’s elaborate scheme, which spanned from July 2023 to January 2025 at AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway, as reported by CBS Miami and other news outlets.
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The Impersonation and Deception
Bardisa worked as an advanced nurse technician, allegedly using the nursing license number of another individual with the same first name. According to reports from WFTV and The Telegraph, when questioned about the discrepancy in last names, Bardisa claimed she had recently married and changed her name but never provided a marriage certificate. This fabrication allowed her to provide medical care to thousands of patients for an extended period.
The alleged fraud was uncovered in January 2025 when Bardisa was considered for a promotion to charge nurse. This promotion triggered a more thorough review of her credentials. The hospital discovered that her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license was expired. This discovery led to her termination and the subsequent investigation, as detailed by ABC News.
The Investigation and Arrest
The investigation, a collaborative effort between the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Health, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, confirmed that Bardisa never held a valid nursing license. News 6 reported that she provided medical care to 4,486 patients between June 2024 and January 2025. This revelation sparked serious concerns about patient safety and the integrity of the healthcare system.
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly described the case as “one of the most disturbing cases of medical fraud” they had ever investigated, according to reports. He emphasized the potential risk Bardisa posed to thousands of lives. Bardisa now faces seven counts of practicing a health care profession without a license and seven counts of fraudulent use of personal identification information, corresponding to each month she allegedly posed as a nurse.
Bardisa was arrested at her home in Palm Coast and is currently held on a $70,000 bond. Authorities have stated that, to their knowledge, none of her patients suffered serious injuries or death due to her actions. The Sheriff’s Office has established an email address for individuals who believe they may have been treated by Bardisa, reflecting the seriousness with which they are treating the situation.
Aftermath and Irony
In a twist of fate, after being fired from AdventHealth, Bardisa took and passed the national nursing licensing exam in early 2025. However, this does not negate the charges she currently faces. The legal proceedings will determine the consequences of her alleged actions while impersonating a nurse. It is an ironic turn of events, highlighting the complexity and unusual nature of the case.
Protecting Patients from Medical Fraud
This case underscores the critical importance of verifying the credentials of healthcare professionals. Hospitals and other medical facilities must implement rigorous screening processes to prevent similar incidents from occurring. Patients, too, have a role to play in ensuring their safety. They should feel empowered to ask questions about the qualifications of their healthcare providers and report any suspicious behavior.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s investigation highlights the dedication of law enforcement and regulatory agencies to protecting the public from medical fraud. Their collaborative efforts were crucial in uncovering Bardisa’s deception and bringing her to justice. The investigation serves as a reminder that those who seek to exploit the healthcare system will be held accountable for their actions.
The incident also brings to light the potential vulnerabilities within healthcare systems that allow individuals to impersonate medical professionals. Regular audits of employee credentials, robust verification processes, and clear reporting mechanisms are essential to maintaining the integrity of the system and safeguarding patient well-being. This includes cross-referencing information with licensing boards and conducting thorough background checks.
The Broader Implications of Stolen Licenses
The case of Autumn Bardisa raises broader questions about the potential for stolen licenses to be used in other contexts. While this particular incident involved a healthcare setting, the same vulnerabilities could exist in other professions that require licensure. This highlights the need for secure licensing systems and vigilant oversight to prevent fraud and protect the public. This case serves as a cautionary tale for all industries that rely on professional licensing.
The incident also raises concerns about the emotional and psychological impact on patients who unknowingly received care from an unlicensed individual. The trust between patients and healthcare providers is fundamental to the healing process. When that trust is violated, it can have lasting consequences. Healthcare facilities have a responsibility to address the concerns of affected patients and provide support as needed.
In conclusion, the arrest of Autumn Bardisa for allegedly impersonating a registered nurse and treating thousands of patients with a stolen license is a stark reminder of the potential for medical fraud and its devastating consequences. The collaborative investigation, led by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, underscores the importance of rigorous credential verification, robust oversight, and a commitment to protecting patient safety. This case highlights the need for continuous vigilance to prevent similar incidents and maintain the integrity of the healthcare system.
