The NDBON has been closely reviewing applications associated with certain Florida-based nursing schools in conjunction with an ongoing investigation into the legitimacy of multiple Florida-based nursing programs. These schools have been identified as participants in the scheme to issue fraudulent nursing diplomas and supporting documents through a federal investigation known as Operation Nightingale. The federal agents involved in Operation Nightingale have advised nursing regulatory bodies to carefully review any license applications and transcripts associated with graduates of these programs.

Qualifications for nurse licensure in ND are set forth in ND Century Code (NDCC) 43-12.1 and ND Administrative Code (NDAC) 54-02-01. Minimum qualifications to be licensed include completion of a nursing education program approved by the state board of nursing of the jurisdiction where the program is located which prepared the graduate for the level of licensure sought.

The program curriculum must have included in person supervised clinical experiences across the lifespan and the sponsor institution offering the nursing education program must be accredited by a U.S. department of education-recognized regional or national accreditation entity.

Please be advised that if you are a graduate of one of the Florida-based nursing programs identified on the list provided by federal agents involved in the Operation Nightingale Investigation, your licensure may be delayed due to the need for additional review, or you may not be eligible for licensure if minimum qualifications are not met. Please be aware that if you choose to submit an application for licensure and pay the associated fee, all fees collected by the North Dakota Board of Nursing are non-refundable.