Authorities in Florida have arrested a woman accused of impersonating a registered nurse and gaining access to the sensitive medical information of more than 44,000 patients across the state.
According to the Florida Department of Health and local law enforcement, Autumn Bardisa, 32, posed as a licensed nurse and worked at multiple healthcare facilities under false credentials. Investigators say Bardisa used forged documents and stolen identification numbers to obtain employment, where she had direct access to patient charts, medical records, and in some cases, even assisted with patient care.
The investigation, which began earlier this year, revealed that Bardisa had been working without proper licensure for at least two years. Her actions came to light after a routine internal audit flagged inconsistencies in her certification records at a Tampa-area clinic.
“To say this is disturbing would be an understatement,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister during a press conference. “This individual violated not only state law but the trust and privacy of tens of thousands of patients.”
Officials confirmed that over 44,000 patients may have had their personal and medical information compromised during Bardisa’s fraudulent tenure at various clinics and hospitals. Authorities are still working with healthcare providers to notify those potentially affected and to ensure that no medical harm was done.
Bardisa is currently facing multiple felony charges, including identity theft, fraud, practicing nursing without a license, and unauthorized access to confidential medical records. She remains in custody at the Hillsborough County Jail, with bail set at $750,000.
The Florida Department of Health has launched a broader investigation into how Bardisa was able to slip through the cracks of the state’s healthcare hiring system. Lawmakers are also calling for stricter credential verification protocols across all healthcare facilities.
