Pam Bondi: Restitution Ordered for Miami Nursing Students

The state's attorney general has obtained $469,000 in restitution for nursing students deceived into enrolling in year-long classes at JLF University taught in Miami and Jamaica.

The state had sued JFL and its principals in May 2011 for allegedly violating the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.

According to the attorney generals office, students werent informed until after enrolling that they would not be eligible for licensure in Florida because JLF is not an approved nursing education program. When the students demanded refunds for their $7,000 and $15,000 class fee, they were instead offered transfers to Green Cross School of Nursing, for an additional $7,000. Green Cross School is run by the owner of JLF.

Prospective students can only make informed choices when schools fairly disclose critical information, such as costs and the opportunities available following graduation, Attorney General Pam Bondi stated in a release.

According to the final judgment, JLF University Inc., Green Cross School of Nursing, Advance Training Academy Inc., Allied Health College at JLF University Inc., Dr. Joseph LaFortune, and Aline LaFortune must also pay $67,000 in civil penalties and are prohibited from misrepresenting qualifications and programs.