Autumn Bardisa, 29, was apprehended in Florida for impersonating a nurse and treating nearly 4,500 patients, raising alarming concerns about medical safety and trust within the healthcare system.
Florida Woman Arrested for Impersonating Nurse, Treating Over 4,000 Patients

Florida Woman Arrested for Impersonating Nurse, Treating Over 4,000 Patients
A woman has been charged with fraud after posing as a registered nurse and providing healthcare services to thousands.
A troubling case of medical deception has emerged from Florida, where a woman named Autumn Bardisa has been arrested for allegedly impersonating a nurse and providing medical care to over 4,400 patients. The investigation began when hospital administrators at AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway raised alarms about Bardisa's qualifications, leading to a deeper inquiry.
Bardisa, 29, was employed at the hospital from July 2023 until January 2025, during which time she illegally administered healthcare while using a fraudulent nursing license. Authorities reported that she borrowed a license number from a legitimate nurse with the same first name, a connection she tried to explain by falsely claiming she had recently changed her surname after marriage. However, when asked to provide her marriage certificate, she failed to do so.
The troubling ordeal came to light when Bardisa was offered a promotion. A colleague grew suspicious upon discovering that her nursing assistant license had expired and promptly alerted the authorities. This resulted in a months-long criminal investigation, during which multiple charges were filed against her, including seven counts of practicing healthcare without a license and seven counts of fraudulent use of personal information.
Her arrest occurred on August 5, when police apprehended her at her residence while she was still wearing scrubs. Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly characterized the case as one of the most disturbing instances of medical fraud he'd encountered, emphasizing the potential risk to thousands of lives due to Bardisa's actions.
Following her arrest, Bardisa was remanded to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where she remains held on a $70,000 bond. The Sheriff's Office has encouraged anyone who suspects they may have been treated by Bardisa to come forward, providing a dedicated email address for such inquiries. This incident raises significant concerns about the verification of medical professionals and the safety of patients in healthcare settings.