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SSC Security Matters

"Nurse Betty": Connecticut Nurse of the Year Is Not A Registered Nurse!
by Michael Wanik

Most people have now seen the articles on "Nurse Betty."

Impersonating a registered nurse, Betty administered drugs and gave medical advice. She even gave herself a party wherein her self-created fictitious organization gave her a "2008 Nurse of the Year" award.

Many hallway conversations with regard to this case have centered on the responsibility of the State in the credentialing of a medical provider. These conversations miss the point: where was the validation of credentialing by the employer?

Was she in fact registered with the State? Did she attend the schools and courses she claimed that were vital to her position? Had she done this before somewhere else?

These are not necessarily medical questions, but a needed component of the pre-employment screening and the recurrent medical credentialing process for any employer with professionals on their staff. This means a CPA, physician or other licensed professional should be reviewed annually as their activity in a firm is directly tied to the firm’s liability and reputation.

The "Nurse Betty" incident comes 8 months after Connecticut Attorney General Blumenthal announced proposed legislation on home health aides needing criminal background checks. (http://www.ct.gov/ag/cwp/view.asp?Q=432298&A=3673). As the AG stated in his announcement, checks are "not only reasonable, but common sense."

SSC can assist with your medical credentialing, education, and criminal record review needs.

© 2009 SSC, Inc.

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