Medical Imposter Exposed in Florida
Introduction to the Case
A Florida woman is accused of posing as a licensed nurse and giving medical care to thousands of patients, authorities said. The suspect, Autumn Marie Bardisa, 29, of Palm Coast, participated in medical services involving 4,486 people from June 2024 until January 2025, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said.
The Arrest and Charges
Bardisa was apprehended in the driveway of her home Tuesday and is jailed on multiple charges that include practicing health care without a license, sheriff’s officials said. She’s being held on $70,000 bond and is due in court for a Sept. 2 arraignment.
No lawyer who could speak on behalf of Bardisa was listed in local court records.
Method of Deception
The sheriff’s office said Bardisa used another health care worker’s license number and submitted false documentation in order to be employed as an advanced nurse technician at AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway in Palm Coast. “This woman potentially put thousands of lives at risk by pretending to be someone she is not and violating the trust of patients, their families, AdventHealth and an entire medical community,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said.
Reaction and Investigation
“This is one of the most disturbing cases of medical fraud we’ve ever investigated,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said in announcing the arrest. Officials say they’ve set up a special email, fakenursecase@flaglersheriff.com, and are asking anyone who thinks they might have been a victim in the case to email the sheriff’s office. Palm Coast is about 60 miles south of Jacksonville.
Conclusion
The case of Autumn Marie Bardisa serves as a stark reminder of the importance of verifying the credentials of medical professionals. The fact that she was able to deceive so many people and put thousands of lives at risk is a disturbing commentary on the vulnerabilities in our healthcare system. It is crucial that measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future, including stricter background checks and more rigorous verification processes for medical staff.
FAQs
Q: What are the charges against Autumn Marie Bardisa?
A: Bardisa is charged with practicing health care without a license, among other charges.
Q: How many patients did Bardisa allegedly treat?
A: Bardisa participated in medical services involving 4,486 people from June 2024 until January 2025.
Q: How can potential victims contact the authorities?
A: Potential victims can email the sheriff’s office at fakenursecase@flaglersheriff.com.
Q: What is the current status of Bardisa’s case?
A: Bardisa is being held on $70,000 bond and is due in court for a Sept. 2 arraignment.
Q: Where did the incident occur?
A: The incident occurred in Palm Coast, Florida, which is about 60 miles south of Jacksonville.
Originally Published: August 8, 2025 at 1:53 PM EDT
