Autumn Bardisa, a 29-year-old Florida resident, faces serious criminal charges after investigators discovered she had been working as a registered nurse without proper credentials. The case has been described by authorities as one of the most disturbing medical fraud investigations in recent memory.
Timeline of the Medical Fraud
- July 2023: Bardisa begins employment at AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway
- June 2024 - January 2025: Provided medical services to 4,486 patients
- January 2025: Offered promotion, leading to credential verification
- August 5, 2025: Arrested at her home while wearing medical scrubs
How the Fake Nurse Scam Was Discovered
The fraud came to light when Bardisa was being considered for a promotion at the Palm Coast hospital. A colleague became suspicious and reported concerns to authorities after discovering her nursing assistant license had expired.
Fraudulent Documentation Methods
According to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office investigation, Bardisa allegedly:
- Submitted false nursing credentials
- Used a license number belonging to another nurse with the same first name
- Claimed she had recently married and changed her surname to explain discrepancies
- Failed to provide marriage documentation when requested
Criminal Charges and Legal Consequences
Bardisa faces 14 total criminal charges:
- 7 counts of practicing a health care profession without a license
- 7 counts of fraudulent use of personal identification information
She is currently held at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility on a $70,000 bond.
Impact on Patient Safety and Hospital Operations
Sheriff Rick Staly called this "one of the most disturbing cases of medical fraud we've ever investigated," emphasizing the potential risk to thousands of patients who received care from an unqualified individual.
Patient Notification Process
The Flagler County Sheriff's Office has established a dedicated email address: fakenursecase@flaglersheriff.com for patients who believe they may have been treated by Bardisa during her employment at AdventHealth.
AdventHealth's Response to Fake Nurse Case
AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway terminated Bardisa's contract in January 2025 following concerns about her qualifications. The hospital cooperated fully with the seven-month criminal investigation that followed.
Similar Medical Fraud Cases in Florida
This case highlights ongoing concerns about credential verification in healthcare settings. Medical fraud cases involving fake healthcare workers have become an increasing concern for hospitals nationwide, prompting stricter background check procedures.
What This Means for Healthcare Security
The case raises important questions about:
- Hospital credential verification processes
- Patient safety protocols
- Background check procedures for medical staff
- Ongoing monitoring of employee licenses
Breaking News Update: This story is developing. For the latest information on the fake nurse case in Florida, check back for updates.
Related Topics: Medical fraud Florida, fake nurse arrest, Advent Health Palm Coast, healthcare fraud cases, nursing license fraud
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