Leticia Gallarzo, 48, used the Michigan licensing number and name of a licensed nurse to gain employment at a hospice facility. She also told the facility she had earned a master’s degree in nursing, which was untrue, according to an Aug. 2 Justice Department press release. The facility discovered Ms. Gallarzo was a “nurse imposter” when her fingerprints matched records indicating she had two previous state and federal convictions for practicing nursing without a license in Texas in 2015 and 2016.
Ms. Gallarzo pleaded guilty to making a false statement in a medical record affecting a healthcare benefit program and aggravated identity theft. She is facing up to seven years in prison. The court has not yet scheduled her sentencing date.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.