Authorities in Pennsylvania have arrested Shannon Nicole Womack, accused of exploiting the healthcare system through identity theft and deception. Womack, who is suspected of using more than twenty aliases to gain employment at various healthcare facilities across the state, is facing a number of counts. According to WTAE, the allegations include jeopardizing the welfare of care-dependent individuals, among others.
According to WPXI, Womack’s plot came to light during a traffic stop in Pittsburgh, when police uncovered her expired Georgia vehicle registration and many open warrants from various states. Troopers discovered various kinds of identity and medical paraphernalia in her vehicle, linking her to prescription medication thefts at the healthcare facilities she penetrated.
Before her firing for professional misconduct, Womack defrauded Eldercrest Rehabilitation and several other facilities. WPXI reports that during her tenure at Presbyterian SeniorCare Southmont, she misplaced over 120 oxycodone tablets, which had a direct impact on five patients. Investigators confirmed that Womack is not a licensed medical professional in any state.
According to Trooper Rocco Gagliardi, investigations revealed that Womack established her staffing agency to funnel work to herself, effectively acting as her secretary to coordinate her employment at various health facilities.
Womack’s listing on Georgia’s website for nurse impostor warnings illustrates the greater problem of confirming credentials within the healthcare system, which is already overburdened by pandemic-related requests. The Department of Health has acknowledged the situation and appears to be planning the next steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
