April Guadalupe Hernandez, a certified nurse assistant, faces serious charges in New Mexico after being accused of impersonating nurses and providing unauthorized care to hospice patients. A Bernalillo County grand jury indicted Hernandez on 19 counts, including identity theft, fraud, and nursing without a license. The investigation was conducted by the Medicaid Fraud and Elder Abuse Bureau of the New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ).
Hernandez allegedly assumed the identities of two registered nurses from Texas and California, as well as a licensed practical nurse from Kansas. This allowed her to secure employment with Luna Del Valle Healthcare Services, Lily Care of New Mexico, and Hospice De La Luz under false pretenses. Her actions reportedly led to nearly administering a fatal dose of morphine to a patient.
Attorney General Raúl Torrez said, "To exploit trusting patients in their most vulnerable moments is unconscionable." He emphasized that the NMDOJ will prosecute those who endanger patient safety or betray healthcare trust.
The NMDOJ's investigation revealed that Hernandez's fraudulent activities began in 2024. She allegedly falsified documents and committed fraud amounting to approximately $40,000. If convicted on all charges, she could face up to 27.5 years in prison.
The New Mexico MFEAB is primarily funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with a grant award for federal fiscal year 2025 totaling $3,451,202. The State of New Mexico provides additional funding.
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