Florida woman who posed as nurse and treated more than 4,400 patients without a license avoids jail time
A. florida woman The man, who posed as a nurse and treated more than 4,400 patients without a license, was sentenced to probation and community service this week after pleading no contest, avoiding prison time in a case that authorities once described as deeply troubling.
Autumn Bardisa, 29, of Palm Coast, was cited Tuesday for unlicensed practice of health care and use of a false identity, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday.
Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols threw out the judgment and sentenced Bardisa to five years of probation and 50 hours of community service as part of the agreement.
He also needs to write a letter of apology to the nurse whose license number he used.
As part of the plea agreement, Bardisa lost her nursing license with the Florida Department of Health following her arrest and was prohibited from practicing medicine while on probation.
Police allege Autumn Bardisa posed as a registered nurse and provided medical care to more than 4,400 patients.
(Fox News)
Bardisa was initially charged with seven counts of unlicensed healthcare practice and seven counts of fraudulent use of personal identification information following a seven-month investigation.
She identified herself as a licensed practical nurse at AdventHealth and treated more than 4,400 patients between June 2024 and January 2025, authorities said.
Investigators determined that Bardisa never had a valid nursing license at the time and instead used the license number of another nurse bearing her name.
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Authorities say Autumn Bardisa used her stolen nurse identity to treat thousands of patients.
The case stemmed from a months-long investigation involving state and federal health agencies after hospital officials discovered Bardisa had gotten a job as a nurse by claiming to have used another nurse’s license number and falsified records. advanced nurse technician.
Investigators said Bardisa initially applied under the “education first” designation typically used for nursing graduates who have not yet passed the licensing exam. She then claimed to have completed the exam and provided the license number of a different nurse with the same name.
To explain the discrepancies, Bardisa told hospital staff that she had recently changed her surname after getting married but produced no documentation when asked to verify the claim.
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Authorities described the case as one of the most significant cases of medical fraud the agency has investigated.
Despite the missing paperwork, Bardisa was promoted in January 2025, according to investigators. Concerns arose when a co-worker independently checked her credentials and found that she only had an expired certified nursing assistant license, prompting hospital officials to notify authorities.
After this discovery the scheme was unraveled, leading to its termination and a wider investigation. criminal investigation It covers more than one institution.
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said Bardisa’s actions put patients at risk and undermined trust in the medical profession.
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“Nursing is a noble profession of caring for those in need, but there is a right and wrong way to do it, and she chose the wrong way, using a real nurse license,” Staly said, adding that her actions “potentially endangered patients.”
Staly said Bardisa “ruined his career” and will not be able to work in the medical field for at least three years and up to five years. his parole terms.
Authorities have previously described the case as one of the most significant cases of medical fraud the agency has investigated.
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Anyone who believes they may have been treated by Bardisa can contact the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, authorities said.
Fox News Digital’s Stepheny Price contributed to this report.
Original article source: Florida woman who posed as a nurse and treated more than 4,400 patients without a license avoided prison time
