A 43-year-old female in Newfoundland and Labrador is being detained on bail after allegedly impersonating a registered nurse as well as a licensed practical nurse, deceptively committing fraud.
Lisa Driscoll, who uses different surnames like Strickland for her schemes, is reported to have gone to LPN school but is neither licensed as an LPN nor RN. She was using a license of another nurse with the same name.
Read our story on: FL Nursing School Fake Degree Scandal
A Timeline Of Crimes
During the fall of 2022, Lakeside Homes was unknowingly employing Lisa Strickland for six weeks. Driscoll had previously impersonated a Licensed Practical Nurse in Ontario. However, to deceive her way into this current position, she utilized another Registered Nurse’s credentials. Police have since investigated and confirmed these allegations.
Andrée Robichaud, CEO of Central Health, recently reported that Ms. Driscoll worked 25 shifts at Lakeside Homes between August 19th and November 7th, 2022. The Central Health is the health authority for the region.
Through an in-depth review of resident care and all relevant documentation from this period, it has been confirmed that there were no unfavorable impacts to the care received by residents. However, two concerns unrelated to patient care had been brought up and resolved within her employment time frame.
She’s also accused of defrauding three St. John’s retirement homes and stole two nurses’ identities.
Driscoll, aka “Lisa Strickland,” in 2019, Hamilton police arrested Lisa for the death of her son, Kane Driscoll last 2017 due to a Hydromorphone overdose. Driscoll received a 2½-year sentence from the court in 2021, but only served an extra 75 days due to prior time served. She returned to Newfoundland and now lives in St. John’s after being released from prison.
The College of Nurses of Ontario lists Lisa Strickland, aka Lisa Driscoll and Michelle Driscoll (Newfoundland), as unregistered.
Read our story on: Nurse Sentenced To 60 Months In Prison For Stealing Narcotics
What Is Nursing Fraud And How Does It Happen?
Identity theft is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences for victims. Likewise, stealing personal information for unlawful activities is a grave crime. One of the most common forms of identity theft is Nursing fraud.
Medical fraud can have serious consequences for victims, including impersonating medical professionals to access services and resources. Most importantly, this can lead to financial losses for healthcare providers, as well as potential harm to patients.
Read our story on: ALF Nurse Fined For Patient’s Fall
Similar Incidents In The U.S.
Though healthcare professionals must be licensed and undergo a Level II background check before working in the U.S., there have been cases of fraudulent health workers here before.
In 2016, it brought a shock to the nation, when just about every news media featured, a teenager in South Florida who was arrested and charged for pretending to be a doctor without having the necessary qualifications. He reportedly created an illegitimate medical practice and deceived people into believing he had a Ph.D.
The Palm Beach Post reported that a legal document – a cease-and-desist order – indicated that Love-Robinson had been running a medical office in West Palm Beach since January of the same year. Reports suggest that the then 18-year-old set up a medical center and claimed to be a psychologist and gynecologist.
He ran a practice with his own staff calling it New Birth New Life Holistic and Alternative Medical Center & Urgent Care.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that he was detained after being suspected of administering a medical examination to an undercover officer and presenting medical advice. Love-Robinson was released from jail in September 2019. Ironically enough, he was again arrested for another fraud and con crime last 2021.
Another ongoing case is the newly published statement regarding the fraudulent nursing diploma. Over 7,600 fraudulent nursing diplomas were issued in Florida, violating quality standards.
Protect Your Identity As A Nurse From Identity Theft
Protecting your identity as a nurse from identity theft is an important step in maintaining your professional reputation and keeping your personal information secure. Here are some tips to help you protect your identity:
- Be aware of the risks associated with sharing personal information online. Therefore, don’t post sensitive info, such as SSN or license number, on social media or websites.
- Use strong passwords for all of your online accounts and change them regularly. For instance, make sure to use a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Be careful when using public Wi-Fi networks. Certainly, avoid it if possible.
- Do not leave your station unattended.
Final Thoughts
Nursing fraud is a serious crime that can have significant consequences for the victim, their family, and the community. It is important for healthcare institutions to take precautionary measures to protect their personnel and patients. The onus is on administrative staff to ensure they are employing professionals at the workplace.
Adequate systems need to be put in place to verify the credentials of their staff. Furthermore, matching the records of employees at all times should be held in compliance with the laws. The nursing field is one of the most trusted professions that should be protected.