LOS ANGELES, Nov 15 – A Virginia woman has been arrested for allegedly posing as a registered nurse and working at several hospitals across Los Angeles County without a valid nursing license, authorities said Thursday.
Amanda Leeann Porter, 44, was taken into custody by Burbank police following an investigation into her employment at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank and Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital in Santa Clarita. Investigators allege that Porter used false identities to secure nursing positions, raising serious concerns about the potential risks posed to patient care.
Porter reportedly began working at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in April, where she oversaw the care of as many as 60 patients. Her scheme unraveled after staff discovered she had stolen the identity of an out-of-state licensed nurse. While her qualifications were fraudulent, hospital officials stated that no instances of inadequate care were reported during her tenure.
The investigation revealed that Porter has a history of fraud, including a prior conviction in Virginia, for which she remains on federal probation. Authorities say she collected two paychecks from the hospital before being terminated in May when her deception came to light.
Police allege that Porter’s fraudulent activities extended beyond Providence Saint Joseph. She was recently arrested again after attempting to secure employment at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital under another false identity. Officials believe Porter has impersonated a nurse at multiple Southern California healthcare facilities over the past year.
Both hospitals issued statements confirming Porter’s dismissal upon discovering her falsified credentials. They emphasized that she had been under supervision during her probationary period and assured the public that patient care was not compromised.
Porter faces multiple felony charges, including identity theft, false impersonation, and grand theft, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. She is being held without bail at the Los Angeles County Central Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood. If convicted, she could face significant prison time.
The Burbank Police Department is urging anyone with information about Porter’s activities to come forward. Detective Arias, who is leading the investigation, can be contacted at 818-238-3210. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the L.A. Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477 or via their website.
Porter is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 2, where she will face formal arraignment on the charges.
This case has drawn attention to potential vulnerabilities in the hiring processes of healthcare facilities. Authorities and healthcare officials have called for stricter screening protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to determine the full scope of Porter’s activities and identify any additional victims.
