Gansler
BALTIMORE (Legal Newsline) - Maryland Attorney General Douglas Gansler announced on Thursday that his office has entered into a consent order with a nursing education company banning its continued operation in the state.
Gansler's Consumer Protection Division entered the agreement with MalMilVentures LLC, doing business as Associated National Medical Academy, and the company's owners, Johnny Malone and John Miller.
The consent order requires Associated National Medical Academy to refund all money collected from consumers, which is believed to be approximately $177,000, and to not offer any educational programs in the future unless proper authorization or a waiver from the Maryland Board of Nursing and/or the Maryland Higher Education Commission is obtained.
"This company and its owners preyed on consumers who wanted to practice nursing in Maryland," Gansler said. "Consumers should check with state licensing boards to verify licensing requirements prior to signing up with training schools."
The company was charged with offering students accelerated licensed practical nurse and registered nurse bridge training programs at costs ranging from $6,000-$8,000. To be licensed in Maryland, a person must have completed a nursing education program approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing, which Associated National Medical Academy's program has not been.
Although the company denies violating the Consumer Protection Act, Associated National Medical Academy agreed to pay $110,000 in penalties, which can be reduced to $35,000 once they comply completely with the consent order.