By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law
The Kissimmee, Florida, teen found guilty in August 2012 for impersonating a physician assistant (P.A.) faced up to 20 years in prison for two counts of impersonation and two counts of practicing without a license. On November 14, 2012, the teen was sentenced to one year in jail by an Osceola County judge.
The phony P.A. was given credit for his 264 days already served in jail, so he will only have to spend the remaining 101 days behind bars. The judge ordered the teen to receive mental health counseling, and he will also serve eight years of supervised probation, according to WESH news in Orlando.
You can click here to watch video of the sentencing from WESH news. Click here to see the Osceola County Court records from this case.
Teen Acting Like a P.A. Had Access to Patients.
In August 2011, the teen tricked emergency room doctors, nurses and patients at Osceola Regional Medical Center into thinking he was a P.A. He even allegedly administered CPR to a patient. The charade ended before anyone was hurt.
Click here to read a blog I previously wrote on what else the teen did while impersonating a P.A.
Psychologist Testified on Behalf of Teen.
During the sentencing a psychologist testified on the teen’s behalf, according to the Orlando Sentinel. The article stated that the psychologist believes the teen lost sight of the consequences of his actions as his desire to be someone else took over.
The judge warned the teen that his probation prohibits him from owning or wearing medical apparel. The teen is also not allowed to visit any hospitals. According to the Orlando Sentinel, violating any of these terms will land him in prison.
Click here to read the article from the Orlando Sentinel.
Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced with Investigations of Health Professionals and Providers.
The attorneys of The Health Law Firm provide legal representation to physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists and other health providers in Department of Health (DOH) investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigations, FBI investigations, Medicare investigations, Medicaid investigations and other types of investigations of health professionals and providers.
To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.
Comments?
What do you think of the sentence? Do you think it was the hospital’s fault the teen gained access to patients? Please leave any thoughtful comment below.
Sources:
WESH-TV. “Matthew Scheidt Sentenced for Impersonating Hospital Employee” WESH-TV. (November 14, 2012). From: http://www.wesh.com/news/central-florida/Matthew-Scheidt-sentenced-for-impersonating-hospital-employee/-/11788162/17399014/-/154bbs1z/-/index.html
Pierson Curtis, Henry. “Matthew Scheidt: Teen Impostor Gets Year in Jail for Physician-Assistant Charade.” Orlando Sentinel. (November 14, 2012). From: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-matthew-scheidt-impostor-sentencing-20121114,0,6656845.story
About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.
“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
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