An alarming case in Albuquerque has revealed serious gaps in healthcare verification systems after a woman was indicted on multiple felony charges for impersonating a licensed nurse and working at two local hospice facilities. The situation became life-threatening when the imposter nearly administered a fatal morphine dose to a patient due to incorrectly transcribing a physician’s order.
This disturbing incident raises important questions about patient safety and the systems designed to protect vulnerable people receiving medical care.
How the Imposter Gained Access to Vulnerable Patients
April Guadalupe Hernandez allegedly stole the identity of a registered nurse and used fraudulent credentials to secure employment at Hospice de La Luz and Luna Del Valle Hospice in Albuquerque. Both facilities are privately operated and provide end-of-life care to patients during their most vulnerable moments.
New Mexico law requires healthcare facilities to verify that all practicing nurses hold proper licenses from the New Mexico Board of Nursing. However, the verification systems failed to detect Hernandez’s fraudulent credentials. One hospice CEO stated that his company followed all state and federal verification protocols, but the identification documents provided were convincing forgeries. Once the deception was discovered, Hernandez was immediately removed and authorities were notified.
The Near-Fatal Morphine Error and Criminal Charges
Prosecutors specifically highlighted a dangerous incident where Hernandez incorrectly transcribed a physician’s morphine order in a manner that could have resulted in a patient’s death from overdose. Had this error gone unnoticed, an innocent person receiving hospice care could have lost their life.
Hernandez now faces multiple felony charges including fraudulent nursing practice, identity theft, forgery, and abuse of a resident. Each charge carries the potential for significant prison time. The New Mexico Department of Justice has not disclosed how many patients received care from Hernandez, and the indictment does not specify whether additional patients suffered injuries. Investigators continue examining her employment history to determine if other facilities were affected. Read the full story about this Albuquerque imposter nurse case here.
A Growing Problem: Fake Nursing Credentials Nationwide
This Albuquerque case is part of a disturbing national trend. A 2023 federal investigation called “Operation Nightingale” exposed fraudulent activities at Florida nursing schools that issued thousands of fake nursing diplomas and transcripts between 2016 and 2021. These false credentials have allowed unqualified individuals to work in healthcare settings across the country, putting patients at serious risk.
When healthcare fraud occurs, victims and their families deserve justice. Medical negligence, regardless of whether it is from an imposter or a licensed professional, can result in devastating injuries or wrongful death.
Were You or a Loved One Harmed by Medical Negligence in Albuquerque?
If you or a family member received substandard medical care or were harmed by healthcare fraud or negligence in New Mexico, you may have legal options. At PKSD, our experienced nursing home injury attorneys in Albuquerque fight for patients who’ve been injured due to the failures of healthcare providers and facilities.
We understand how devastating it is to trust medical professionals with your care—or the care of a loved one—only to suffer harm because of negligence or fraud. Our team has the knowledge, resources, and commitment to hold negligent parties accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait to protect your rights. Call us today for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll review your situation, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options. There are no upfront costs or fees to pay when we represent you. We only get paid if you do.
