Full Breakdown
Florida Woman Sentenced for Posing as Nurse and Treating Over 4,400 Patients
4/10/2026, 3:21:26 AM
Overview of the Case
Autumn Bardisa, a 29-year-old woman from Palm Coast, Florida, was sentenced to probation and community service after pleading no contest to charges of unlicensed practice of healthcare and fraudulent use of identification. This case, which authorities described as deeply disturbing, involved Bardisa treating more than 4,400 patients without a valid nursing license between June 2024 and January 2025.
Details of the Fraudulent Activities
Bardisa's fraudulent activities came to light following a seven-month investigation by state and federal health agencies. She had secured a position as an advanced nurse technician at AdventHealth by using the license number of another nurse who shared her first name. Initially, Bardisa applied under an "education first" designation, which is typically reserved for nursing graduates awaiting their licensing exams. However, she later falsely claimed to have completed the exam and provided the license number of the other nurse.
Concerns regarding her credentials arose when a coworker independently verified her qualifications and discovered that she only possessed an expired certified nursing assistant license. This prompted hospital officials to notify authorities, leading to Bardisa's termination and the subsequent investigation.
Sentencing and Consequences
As part of her plea agreement, Bardisa was sentenced to five years of probation, 50 hours of community service, and was required to write an apology letter to the nurse whose license number she misused. Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols withheld adjudication, meaning Bardisa will not have a formal conviction on her record, but she is barred from working in the medical field during her probation period.
Official Statements on the Case
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly emphasized the seriousness of Bardisa's actions, stating that they not only put patients at risk but also undermined trust in the medical profession. He remarked, "Nursing is a noble profession about caring for those in need, but there is a right way and wrong way to go about it, and she chose the wrong way by using a real nurse's license." Staly noted that Bardisa "ruined her career" and will be unable to work in the medical field for at least three years, and potentially up to five years.
Criticism and Broader Implications
The case has been described as one of the most significant incidents of medical fraud investigated by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities have urged anyone who believes they may have been treated by Bardisa to come forward and contact the office. The incident raises concerns about the integrity of healthcare practices and the potential risks posed to patients by unlicensed individuals operating within the medical field.
What's Next?
As Bardisa serves her probation, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the broader implications of her actions and the potential impact on patients who may have received care from her.
