Pennsylvania State Police Seek Healthcare Providers’ Assistance in Strengthening Ongoing Investigation

A woman in Pennsylvania has been arrested for impersonating a nurse. Shannon Womack reportedly used at least ten different names and worked in various healthcare facilities across the state. State police are now urging healthcare companies to examine their employment records for any signs of her fraudulent activities.

Womack is accused of working as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), and even as a nurse supervisor, despite lacking proper credentials. In fact, she used nursing certifications from four legitimate nurses from southern states to secure positions over the past five years.

Trooper Rocco Gagliardi revealed that Womack’s aliases included Shannon Nicole Abiola and Shannon Nicole Grimes, among others. She reportedly worked in several nursing and rehabilitation centers across Pennsylvania, including:

• Corner View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
• Beaver Valley Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
• St. Mary’s Home of Erie

During her time at these facilities, she faced allegations of professional misconduct and even theft. In some cases, she was placed on a “do not retain” list due to poor performance and claims of stealing medication.

Key details about her arrest include a traffic stop in April, where officers discovered multiple IDs and medical records in her car. This situation raises serious questions about safety standards in healthcare facilities.

According to recent statistics, nearly 20% of healthcare fraud cases involve impersonation. The consequences are severe, often endangering patient safety. Experts stress the importance of thorough background checks and ongoing training for healthcare workers to prevent such incidents in the future.

If any healthcare provider recognizes Womack’s names, they are encouraged to contact local authorities at 724-223-5200. This case highlights the critical need for stringent verification processes in the healthcare sector to protect vulnerable individuals.

For more on the importance of background checks in healthcare, you can read this CDC report.

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Pennsylvania State Police