UPDATE: A Baltimore County woman has been sentenced to 38 months in federal prison for impersonating a nurse across more than 40 health care facilities in Maryland. Thomasina Amponsah, aged 51, pleaded guilty in August to serious charges involving identity theft, putting countless patients at risk.
In a dramatic ruling on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, U.S. Senior District Judge Richard D. Bennett ordered Amponsah to serve time in prison after federal prosecutors outlined her extensive deception. Between 2019 and 2023, Amponsah used stolen credentials and fabricated her professional history to secure jobs at nursing facilities, staffing agencies, and even a public school.
Court records reveal that during her time in these roles, Amponsah directly interacted with vulnerable patients, including those in Medicaid and Medicare programs. Alarmingly, she failed to administer prescribed medications and falsified numerous medical records at one facility, raising serious concerns about patient safety.
Despite being fired from two positions by October 2022, Amponsah continued to work as a “licensed nurse” until August 2023. Her actions have resulted in more than $145,000 in restitution, which she is required to pay as part of her sentencing, alongside three years of supervised release.
The case sheds light on a troubling trend of health care fraud, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many health systems faced overwhelming pressures. Authorities are emphasizing the necessity for rigorous credential checks to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the legal proceedings conclude, Amponsah’s attorney, federal public defender Christina Wong, has not yet commented on the verdict.
This case underscores the critical importance of regulatory oversight in health care settings to protect the well-being of patients. Watch for further developments as the legal ramifications of health care fraud continue to evolve.
For additional news tips, contact Luke Parker at [email protected] or on X as @lparkernews.
