NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – A woman from New Orleans, Shakeenya Cooper, has been arrested for pretending to be a nurse and issuing prescriptions illegally. She worked at several health facilities, including a hospital and a nursing home, without having a nursing license.
On November 13, the New Orleans Police Department caught Cooper at University Medical Center. For nearly a year, she worked in medical roles without proper credentials. An arrest warrant reveals she used another nurse’s license number to get jobs.
Cooper’s employment spanned the Orleans Justice Center and the Lafon Nursing Facility. She was reportedly hired through a contractor, Wedford Health. Employees from these facilities became suspicious about her background. When confronted, she did not return to work and disappeared.
University Medical Center confirmed the situation, stating that the hiring process was followed, but Cooper passed background checks by using someone else’s identity. The hospital acted swiftly to alert authorities once her deception came to light.
During her unauthorized employment, Cooper had access to sensitive patient information and even prescribed medications. She is facing serious charges, including:
- Health care facility application fraud
- Unauthorized participation in medical assistance programs
- Misrepresentation of false claims
- Illegally prescribing controlled substances
Legal analyst Joe Raspanti was surprised by how many charges she faces, considering the number of places where she worked. He noted, “This is an embarrassment to any facility that didn’t check her credentials properly.” The case may move quickly, given that the registered nurse database is publicly available.
One concerning aspect is the potential for Cooper to have been in contact with numerous patients without proper training. However, Raspanti emphasized that taking legal action against her might be challenging. He explained that unlike a physician, who has insurance coverage for such issues, Cooper may not have assets to recover damages from.
This incident highlights the importance of thorough background checks in healthcare settings. According to a 2022 survey by the Healthcare Compliance Association, nearly 30% of healthcare organizations reported hiring individuals without verifying their professional history. This raises questions about patient safety and the integrity of healthcare systems.
As healthcare continues to evolve, ensuring the qualifications of those in caregiving roles remains critical. Balancing quick hiring processes with rigorous credential checks is essential for protecting both patients and the integrity of the medical profession.
For more insights on healthcare regulations, you can check out the American Nurses Association for updated information on nursing standards and safety practices.
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