Official Statement
For Immediate Release, October 12, 2016
Official Statement by North Central Health Care
(Wausau, WI) On Wednesday, October 12, 2016, the Reedsburg Police Department announced the filing of a criminal complaint for Felony Identity Theft for Financial Gain and four counts of Obstructing an Officer against an employee of the Reedsburg Area Medical Center, for falsely representing a registered nurse. North Central Health Care (NCHC) was notified of the investigation by the Reedsburg Area Medical Center in late August of 2016 as it was revealed the individual held a similar position at NCHC under the same false credentials.
Upon an immediate internal investigation at NCHC and review of employee records, it was confirmed that the individual was employed as a registered nurse with North Central Health Care’s nursing home, Mount View Care Center, in late 2015. The individual fraudulently used a Milwaukee’s woman’s registered nurse credentials to gain employment at NCHC, just as she had at the Reedsburg Area Medical Center. NCHC has been and will continue to cooperate fully with authorities on this matter. The individual is no longer employed at NCHC.
NCHC filed a police report with the Wausau Police Department and self-reported the situation to the Office of Inspector General and the Department of Quality Assurance of the WI Department of Health Services. NCHC voluntarily audited all patient and employee records from this time period, as well as safety and adverse event reports, and concluded there were no negative findings or reports of resident harm as a result of this individual’s unlawful actions.
All applicants considered for hire at NCHC undergo a screening process and background check prior to employment. NCHC has implemented additional precautions and continues to utilize a multi-level system to verify credentials. NCHC has also examined all current employee records and 100% of licensed and credentialed personnel have been reviewed and re-verified.
Becky Schultz, Senior Executive of Quality and Clinical Support Services at NCHC states, “The safety and health of all NCHC patients, clients and residents is our top priority. We encourage all those we serve to report any concerns immediately. NCHC has policies in place for reporting and investigating any and all complaints, not only internally, but to state and federal authorities. Unfortunately, this individual untruthfully misrepresented their identity and health care credentials at multiple health care facilities, manipulating the system through complicated and deceptive means to avoid detection. Those we serve and their families place trust in the individuals that provide care for them, and we are deeply disappointed to know that this individual, through their unlawful actions and misrepresentation, violated that trust.”
North Central Health Care compassionately serves our communities in the counties of Marathon, Langlade and Lincoln through an accessible, specialized continuum of care. Services are provided for mental health, substance abuse, crisis, developmental disabilities, adult protection, aquatic physical therapy and skilled nursing care.
For more information, please contact:
North Central Health Care
Jessica Meadows, Marketing & Communications
1100 Lake View Drive - Wausau, WI 54403
715.848.4309