In a controversial and unexpected development, Enome Massango, a man whose nursing license was revoked after being found guilty of obtaining a fraudulent diploma, has been granted a new license to practice as a registered nurse in Iowa. This decision, made by the Iowa Board of Nursing, has raised important questions about the standards of professional licensing and the requirements for obtaining healthcare credentials.

The Initial Revocation of Massango’s License

The story began in January 2022 when the Iowa Board of Nursing revoked both Massango’s practical nurse license (LPN), issued in 2018, and his registered nurse license (RN), granted in 2021. Massango, a resident of West Des Moines, was found to have committed a serious breach of the state’s professional ethics when it was revealed that he had knowingly purchased forged transcripts and diplomas to fast-track his nursing education.

Federal authorities later identified the institutions that Massango attended as diploma mills—schools or organizations that offer degrees or certifications with little or no legitimate academic training. These diploma mills are known for providing fake credentials in exchange for money, often bypassing the rigorous educational requirements that individuals in healthcare professions must meet.

Massango, in admitting to the fraud, confirmed that he had paid a man named Musa Bangura to provide him with the fake documents, which included diplomas and transcripts from the nursing schools he attended. These documents allowed him to falsely claim he had completed the necessary educational program to become a licensed nurse.

The Fraudulent Education Program

According to the board’s records, Massango acknowledged that his so-called nursing education was anything but conventional. The board revealed that his licensed practical nurse (LPN) program consisted of a one-day “review course,” which failed to provide the necessary training and knowledge expected of healthcare professionals.

In an effort to qualify for licensure, Massango took the LPN exam twice and the registered nurse (RN) exam four times before he was able to pass them. The board’s investigation revealed that he had received little to no actual classroom instruction and had not undergone any clinical training—key elements required to properly prepare nurses to care for patients.

Despite these shortcomings, Massango went on to obtain both his LPN and RN licenses, and he worked in several healthcare facilities, including Valley View Village, a nursing home and assisted living center in Des Moines. Massango’s years of practice in these roles occurred after his fraudulent diplomas were granted.

However, the lack of proper education and training ultimately led to the board’s decision to revoke his nursing licenses in 2022. The board condemned his actions as fraud, stressing the importance of upholding standards in the healthcare profession. Massango’s case was considered particularly egregious due to his minimal preparation, which not only put patients at risk but also undermined the integrity of the nursing profession in Iowa.

Consequences of the License Revocation

When the board revoked Massango’s licenses, it issued a clear stipulation regarding the conditions he would need to meet before he could apply for reinstatement. These conditions included obtaining legitimate educational credentials and proving to the board that he had met the standards required for licensure. Specifically, Massango was required to appear before the board for a reinstatement hearing where he would have to demonstrate that granting him a new license would be in the public interest.

This move by the board reflected the seriousness with which the nursing profession takes issues of fraud, and the strict measures put in place to ensure that those entering the healthcare field are adequately trained. The revocation served as a warning to other professionals in the state that the board would not tolerate shortcuts in educational and licensing processes.

A Surprising Decision: Reinstatement of Massango’s License

However, nearly two years after his license was revoked, in April 2024, Massango received an unexpected decision from the Iowa Board of Nursing. The board voted to grant him a new registered nurse license, allowing him to resume practicing nursing in Iowa. This decision has raised eyebrows, as many had assumed that Massango would have to go through a more rigorous process, including a reinstatement hearing, to demonstrate his qualifications before receiving a new license.

Massango himself was surprised to learn that he did not need to appear before the board or provide further evidence in his case. The board’s vote to reinstate his license was made without requiring him to argue his case in person. While this move seemed to signal a second chance for Massango, it also sparked debate about the processes that allowed for the reinstatement of someone who had previously been caught engaging in fraudulent behavior.

The Board’s Rationale for Reinstatement

Although Massango’s case was highly unusual, the board’s decision to grant him a new license could be seen as part of a broader policy that offers individuals who have demonstrated rehabilitation an opportunity for redemption. While Massango’s actions were deemed serious, the board may have believed that he had taken steps to rectify the situation by meeting educational requirements and showing remorse for his past mistakes.

The board’s decision also raised questions about the flexibility of the licensing system. While Massango had committed a serious violation, it appears that his case was handled with a certain level of leniency. Some argue that this leniency is necessary to provide individuals with the opportunity to make amends and re-enter the workforce, while others believe that a more thorough review and hearing process should have been required before reinstating his license.

The Impact on Public Trust and Healthcare Standards

Massango’s reinstatement has raised concerns about public trust in the nursing profession, especially when it comes to maintaining high standards for healthcare workers. With healthcare professionals tasked with the responsibility of caring for the public, the integrity of the educational and licensing process is crucial to ensure that individuals are fully prepared to handle the demands of patient care.

Some critics argue that granting a new license to Massango after his fraudulent actions may undermine public confidence in the nursing profession. They worry that others in the healthcare field may see this as a sign that fraudulent behavior can be overlooked if enough time passes, or if an individual is able to meet the basic educational requirements later on.

On the other hand, there are those who argue that everyone deserves a second chance, especially after they have demonstrated genuine remorse and made an effort to correct their past mistakes. These advocates stress the importance of rehabilitation and believe that individuals who have committed serious errors should be given an opportunity to redeem themselves.

Conclusion

Massango’s journey from license revocation to reinstatement is a story that highlights both the challenges and opportunities within the professional licensing system. While his initial actions were fraudulent and clearly unethical, his reinstatement also serves as a reminder that mistakes do not have to define someone’s entire career. The decision to allow him to resume practicing nursing in Iowa reflects the possibility of rehabilitation and redemption for individuals who take responsibility for their actions and make the effort to correct them.

However, this case also raises critical questions about the integrity of the licensing system and whether the standards for granting a new license after a revocation should be more stringent. Moving forward, it will be important for both the Iowa Board of Nursing and healthcare professionals to ensure that the process remains fair, transparent, and focused on protecting public safety and trust in the healthcare system.