Company that verified nursing licenses says it followed state’s directions

The company hired to verify professional license applications in Massachusetts asserted Monday that it has "consistently met contractual obligations" and followed the directions of state officials, despite the recent discovery that at least 13 people received nursing licenses based on allegedly fraudulent documents.

Professional Credential Services of Nashville, in its first public comments since the news emerged, said in a statement that it is collaborating with state officials on the investigation into how the licenses were awarded.

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing recently revoked six nursing licenses and suspended seven others after detecting evidence of fraud. State officials said Monday the fraud investigation is ongoing.

Investigators concluded that the nurses submitted fake documents intended to show that they had licenses in other states, which made it easier to obtain a Massachusetts license. Massachusetts accepts another state's license as evidence that someone has graduated from nursing school and passed the national qualifying exam.

But only one of the 13 had passed the exam, and the educational credentials of others are in doubt. At least two said they attended colleges that had no record of their attendance, according to state documents. Two completed programs for licensed practical nurses, but obtained licenses as registered nurses, a position that requires more training. Nine had worked as nurses in Massachusetts, primarily in nursing homes.

Professional Credential Services checks the license applications for nurses and 10 other types of professionals, including pharmacists, psychologists, podiatrists, and optometrists. State officials have said they are reviewing whether to continue working with the company, which has had a state contract since 2000.

But Mark Setash, president of Professional Credential Services, said in a statement e-mailed Monday that his company "continues to be committed to the protection of the public through careful licensing practices as dictated by Massachusetts licensure authorities. We take our responsibilities very seriously and will work closely with the staff supporting the [Massachusetts] regulatory boards on this issue."

Meanwhile, two of the seven people whose licenses were suspended appeared at hearings on the suspensions that were scheduled last week. Three requested postponements through their lawyers, and two did not show up.

In all the cases, the nursing board is reviewing the evidence, and the suspensions will stay in effect at least until the board's next meeting, on Oct. 14.