By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law
A Lee County, Florida, registered respiratory therapist at HealthPark Medical Center in Fort Myers, Florida, was arrested and charged with battery on an elderly patient. The respiratory therapist was arrested by the Attorney General’s (AG) Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU). The arrest was announced by the AG on February 14, 2014.
To read the news release from the AG, click here.
Respiratory Therapist Accused of Fracturing Patient’s Hand.
According to the AG, the respiratory therapist allegedly abused a 68-year-old intensive care unit patient by severely bending his fingers back resulting in a bone fracture in the patient’s hand, while the man’s arms were restrained.
The respiratory therapist is charged with battery on a person over the age of 65, which is a third-degree felony. If convicted, the alleged abuser faces a minimum sentence of three years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
MFCU Conducted Investigation.
The MFCU’s investigation led to the MFCU issuing a warrant for the respiratory therapist’s arrest. The case will be prosecuted by the Lee County State Attorney’s Office.
According to the AG, in addition to Medicaid fraud, the MFCU investigates abuse, neglect and exploitation of elderly or disabled people in health care facilities.
Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in Handling Medicaid Audits, Investigations and other Legal Proceedings.
Medicaid fraud is a serious crime and is vigorously investigated by the state MFCU, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), the Zone Program Integrity Contractors (ZPICs), the FBI, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Often other state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), and other law enforcement agencies participate. Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you are concerned of any possible violations and would like a confidential consultation, contact a qualified health attorney familiar with medical billing and audits today. Often Medicaid fraud criminal charges arise out of routine Medicaid audits, probe audits, or patient complaints.
The Health Law Firm’s attorneys routinely represent speech therapists, occupational therapists, vocational therapists, therapy groups, physicians, dentists, orthodontists, medical groups, clinics, pharmacies, assisted living facilities (AFLs), home health care agencies, nursing homes, group homes and other healthcare providers in Medicaid and Medicare investigations, audits and recovery actions. To contact The Health Law Firm please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.
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Source:
Florida Attorney General. “Lee County Man Arrested for Elder Abuse.” My Florida Legal. (February 14, 2014). From: http://bit.ly/1o6vq0J
About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.
“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
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