Authorities apprehended a Palm Coast woman who allegedly provided medical care to thousands without proper nursing credentials.

According to Fox News, 29-year-old Autumn Bardisa was arrested at her home while dressed in medical scrubs after a seven-month investigation revealed she had treated more than 4,400 patients between June 2024 and January 2025 at AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway.

Investigators discovered Bardisa never possessed a valid nursing license during her employment, which began in July 2023 and ended in January 2025 when hospital administrators terminated her contract following concerns about her credentials.

Elaborate Identity Fraud Scheme Uncovered

Bardisa allegedly assumed another nurse's identity by using their license number and submitting falsified documentation to secure her position as an advanced nurse technician. She initially applied for the role as an "education first" registered nurse, a designation for those who completed nursing education but hadn't passed licensing exams.

When later claiming she had passed the exam, Bardisa reportedly provided a license number belonging to a nurse who shared her first name but had a different last name. To explain the discrepancy, she told hospital officials she had recently married and changed her surname.

The deception began unraveling when Bardisa was offered a promotion in January 2025, prompting a coworker to verify her credentials. This check revealed Bardisa only held an expired certified nursing assistant license, not the registered nurse credentials she claimed to possess.

Hospital Administration Takes Action After Discovery

AdventHealth terminated Bardisa's contract immediately after learning about the credential discrepancies and alerted the Flagler County Sheriff's Office. This triggered a comprehensive investigation involving multiple agencies, including the Florida Department of Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Investigators interviewed hospital staff and the legitimate nurse whose license Bardisa had allegedly used without authorization. Authorities determined the two women had attended the same nursing school but were not personally acquainted, suggesting Bardisa may have specifically targeted this individual's credentials.

The investigation revealed Bardisa had never submitted proper documentation to confirm her identity throughout her employment. This oversight allowed her to continue providing patient care for approximately 18 months before her fraudulent credentials were discovered.

Law Enforcement Response To Healthcare Fraud

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly called the case one of the most disturbing incidents of medical fraud his office has investigated. "This woman potentially put thousands of lives at risk by pretending to be someone she was not and violating the trust of patients, their families, AdventHealth and an entire medical community," he stated in an official release.

Bardisa now faces seven felony counts of practicing medicine without a license and seven counts of identity fraud. She is currently being held at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility on a $70,000 bond as the case proceeds through the legal system.

Authorities have established a dedicated email address for potential victims to come forward. Anyone who believes they received care from Bardisa during her time at AdventHealth is encouraged to contact the sheriff's office at fakenursecase@flaglersheriff.com.

Why This Story Matters

This case serves as a sobering reminder of the risks posed by fraudulent professionals in the healthcare system. Patients place immense trust in medical providers, and when that trust is broken, the consequences can be far-reaching and dangerous.

It also highlights the need for more robust hiring practices and institutional safeguards to prevent impostors from slipping through the cracks. Ensuring public safety in medical facilities must remain a top priority. Ultimately, stories like this reinforce the importance of transparency and accountability in public health systems.

In conclusion, Autumn Bardisa allegedly used a stolen license, forged documents, and deliberate deception to gain employment at a major Florida hospital, where she treated over 4,400 patients without proper qualifications. Her arrest, following a lengthy investigation, has resulted in multiple felony charges. The case continues to spur discussions about healthcare trust, credential verification, and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding patients and communities.