Antonio Pozos Emphasizes Background Evaluations in Health Care Industry With Becker’s Hospital Review

In “Fake nursing degree liability is a hot potato — will hospitals get stuck with it?” Becker’s Hospital Review reported that 25 individuals, tied to what is being called Operation Nightingale, were charged with criminal wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy charges in January. White collar defense and investigations partner Antonio Pozos shared recommendations for hospitals and health care systems.

“Operation Nightingale emphasizes the importance of conducting careful background evaluations,” Pozos said. “While the alleged misconduct in this case would have been extremely difficult, if not impossible, for hospitals or other providers to detect independently, the apparent lengths to which several thousand aspiring nurses were willing to go in order to pursue careers in nursing for which they lacked the requisite qualifications is a reminder not to overlook careful evaluations of prospective hires — even amidst the current nursing shortages.”