A woman in Florida has been arrested for pretending to be a registered nurse and treating over 4,400 patients, raising alarm about medical fraud. Autumn Bardisa, 29, worked at AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway from July 2023 to January 2025 before her contract was terminated due to concerns about her qualifications.
Following concerns raised by hospital management, a police investigation revealed that Bardisa had provided medical services while using a false nursing license and documentation. Her impersonation came to light after someone reported her when they discovered that her nursing assistant license had expired.
Despite her claims that a name change following marriage explained the discrepancies, she failed to provide a marriage license when requested. Bardisa was arrested on seven counts of practicing healthcare without a license and seven counts of fraudulent use of personal identification after the investigation led detectives to her home on August 5, where she was taken into custody wearing scrubs.
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly described the case as one of the most alarming incidents of medical fraud he had encountered. Authorities have set up a special email for patients who may have been treated by Bardisa, emphasizing the trust violations involved. She is currently being held on a $70,000 bond at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility.
