Nurses Identity Theft is On The Rise—NCSBN Guidelines Aim to Detect Fake Nurses

Nurses nationwide are facing an alarming new threat: identity theft and credential fraud are on the rise, risking both personal reputations and patient safety. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the healthcare sector is seeing more cases of counterfeit diplomas, forged licenses, and fraudulent job applications, with thieves targeting nurses’ personal and professional data for illicit gain.

Nurses are especially vulnerable, as their license numbers and credentials are often publicly accessible through state databases. Stolen licenses can be used to open credit accounts or even allow imposters to work under false identities—sometimes leading to criminal charges for unwitting victims. 

Why This Matters

Credential fraud in nursing isn’t just unethical—it’s dangerous. It means someone could be treating patients, making medication decisions, or assisting in surgery without proper training or qualifications. According to the NCSBN, this type of fraud can include:

• Fake diplomas or degrees from unapproved or non-existent nursing programs
• Counterfeit or purchased nursing licenses
• Falsified work history or education
• Concealed criminal records
  
  

While the vast majority of nurses are highly trained, honest professionals, the healthcare system must be prepared for the few who are not.

Steps To Protect Your Nursing License

According to the NCSBN’s Fraud Detection Guidelines, nurses can take the following steps to protect their license and identity: 

• Never share their license cards
• Regularly check their status online
• Monitor for changes in personal records
• Immediately report anomalies to their board of nursing
• Shredding prescription labels
• Securing insurance documents

Guidance For Employers and Schools

Employers and nursing programs are now doubling down on fraud detection. The NCSBN’s guidance urges all healthcare facilities and educators to,

1. Train Your Reviewers
   Provide fraud detection training for all staff involved in hiring or admissions decisions.
   
   
2. Close Policy Gaps
   Audit your own processes—fraudsters look for the easiest way in.
   
   
3. Verify Licenses with Nursys
   Use Nursys.com to confirm every applicant has a valid, unencumbered license.
   
   
4. Check Program Approval
   Ensure the applicant’s nursing school is approved by its state’s nursing regulatory board.
   
   
5. Contact References
   Always verify employment and education references—especially using official business emails.
   
   
6. Review Transcripts Closely
   Look for red flags like unusually fast program completion or odd course sequencing.
   
   
7. Use Nursys e-Notify
   Enroll your school or facility in e-Notify, which alerts you in real time to license or disciplinary changes.
   
   
8. Watch for Red Flags
   Inconsistencies on applications or background checks don’t always mean fraud, but they do mean dig deeper.
   
   
9. Report Suspicions
   If you suspect fraud or unsafe practice, report it to your state nursing board immediately.
   
   

Protect the Profession

Your vigilance helps maintain the credibility and trustworthiness of the nursing profession for everyone.

While most nurses remain dedicated professionals, vigilance is required across the industry to close gaps in credentialing and preserve trust in the nation’s healthcare system. By staying alert and advocating for robust detection tools, nurses, educators, and employers can work together to safeguard patient care and their own professional futures.

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