UPDATE: A Baltimore County woman has been sentenced to 38 months in federal prison for impersonating a nurse at over 40 health care facilities across Maryland. This urgent case highlights serious lapses in medical credential verification that could impact patient safety.
Thomasina Amponsah, aged 51, was sentenced on October 10, 2023, by U.S. Senior District Judge Richard D. Bennett after pleading guilty in August to federal identity theft charges. She is also ordered to pay more than $145,000 in restitution and will serve three years of supervised release following her prison term.
Between 2019 and 2023, Amponsah used stolen credentials to secure positions at nursing facilities, a staffing agency, and even a public school in Baltimore County. Disturbingly, federal prosecutors revealed that during her tenure, she failed to administer prescribed medications to several patients and falsified medical records, raising significant concerns over patient safety.
Despite being fired from two jobs by October 2022, Amponsah continued to work as a “licensed nurse” until her arrest in August 2023. This case sheds light on the critical need for stringent verification processes in the health care industry.
“This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous credential checks in the medical field,” said a spokesperson from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “The safety of patients must always be our top priority.”
Amponsah’s actions not only endangered the lives of vulnerable patients but also undermined the integrity of the health care system in Maryland. Authorities are now urging all health care facilities to reevaluate their hiring processes to prevent similar incidents.
Next, officials will be monitoring the implementation of stricter regulations for health care worker credentials. As the investigation continues, more updates are expected regarding systemic changes aimed at safeguarding patient welfare.
This case has sparked widespread outrage among community members and health care professionals alike, who are now calling for enhanced scrutiny of hiring practices in hospitals and clinics across the state.
For further updates, stay tuned as this developing story unfolds. Have a news tip? Contact Luke Parker at [email protected] or reach out on X as @lparkernews.
