The New York State Department of Health has issued a $55,000 penalty as part of a Stipulation and Order signed by a Monroe County nurse who created false immunization records. After an investigation by the Department of Health’s Bureau of Investigations, Sandra Miceli, a licensed nurse practitioner who operated Surviving Naturally, a so-called “natural wellness center” in the Rochester suburb of Webster, NY, was found to have repeatedly violated the Immunization Registry Law. The false vaccination scheme involved children from throughout New York State. The majority live and attend school in Monroe County and elsewhere in Western New York, but a few were from as far away as New York City. Miceli was found to have falsely reported a total of 546 vaccinations for 116 children who, at the time, were school-aged and younger. None of the fictitious vaccinations ever occurred. As part of the settlement, Miceli has paid $30,000 of the $55,000 monetary penalty. The remainder is suspended contingent upon Miceli achieving and maintaining full compliance with the Public Health Law, associated regulations, and all terms of the Stipulation and Order.
