Palm Coast Woman Posed as Nurse, Treated 4,400 Patients Without License

Bardisa pleaded no-contest, forfeited nursing license, and cannot work in medical field for at least 3 years.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:09pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a stethoscope or other medical instrument against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A recent case of healthcare fraud highlights the need for tighter oversight and verification of medical professionals.Palm Coast Today

A 29-year-old Palm Coast woman named Autumn Bardisa has pleaded no-contest to charges of unlicensed practice of health care and fraudulent use of identification after authorities say she posed as a nurse and treated over 4,400 patients without a valid license. As part of a plea agreement, Bardisa was sentenced to 5 years of probation, 50 hours of community service, and a prohibition on working in the medical field for at least 3 years.

Why it matters

This case highlights the risks to public health and safety when individuals fraudulently represent themselves as licensed medical professionals. It also raises questions about oversight and verification processes within the healthcare industry to prevent such incidents from occurring.

The details

Authorities say Bardisa treated over 4,400 patients while falsely presenting herself as a licensed nurse. She had originally faced 7 counts of unlicensed practice of health care and 7 counts of fraudulent use of personal identification information, but reached a plea agreement that required her to forfeit her nursing license, which she had obtained after her initial arrest.

  • Bardisa was arrested in August 2025 following a 7-month investigation by the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.
  • On April 7, 2026, Bardisa pleaded no-contest to the charges.

The players

Autumn Bardisa

A 29-year-old Palm Coast woman who posed as a nurse and treated over 4,400 patients without a valid license.

Flagler County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that conducted a 7-month investigation leading to Bardisa's arrest.

Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols

The judge who sentenced Bardisa to 5 years of probation, 50 hours of community service, and a prohibition on working in the medical field for at least 3 years.

Florida Department of Health

The state agency that Bardisa forfeited her nursing license to as part of the plea agreement.

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The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of robust verification processes and oversight within the healthcare industry to protect patients from unlicensed practitioners who may pose a threat to public safety.