Police: ‘Nurse of the Year’ wasn’t a nurse

updated 5:41 a.m. ET Aug. 7, 2009

NORWALK, Conn. - A Connecticut woman who authorities say spent more than $2,000 to stage a dinner honoring her as "Nurse of the Year" has been charged with pretending to be a nurse at a doctor's office.

Prosecutors say Dr. Gerald Weiss believed Betty Lichtenstein, 56, of Norwalk, was a registered nurse, especially after she was named the Connecticut Nursing Association's "Nurse of the Year" in 2008.

According to the arrest warrant, that association does not exist.

Faces up to 5 years in prison
The state's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit began investigating after a patient complained about Lichtenstein.

She faces up to five years in prison if convicted of reckless endangerment and criminal impersonation charges.

Lichtenstein did not return a telephone message for comment.

More on: Connecticut | nurses

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