By Dr. Thu Pham, O.D., Law Clerk, The Health Law Firm Attorney and George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law
A former employee of an organization that provides services to developmentally disabled adults in Alachua County, Florida, was arrested on June 15, 2012, according to the Attorney General’s (AG) Office. The woman was arrested for allegedly stealing money from 11 clients in 2010 and 2011.
To see the press release from the AG, click here.
Medicaid Fraud Control Unit’s (MFCU) Investigation Led to Arrest.
The woman was a group home manager at the organization that provides support to developmentally disabled adults. She was allegedly responsible for her clients’ money. In a Gainesville Sun article the associate director of the organization said it’s a policy to make monthly audits of its clients’ money. One month, at the house where this woman worked, the money did not add up.
According to the AG, the arrest came after an investigation by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU). She was arrested on allegations of exploiting 11 disabled adults and has been allegedly charged with stealing more than $1,300 from her clients.
If convicted, she faces up to 60 years in prison and a $60,000 fine.
To see the entire article from The Gainesville Sun, click here.
MFCU and State and Federal Auditing Agencies.
The MFCU receives referrals from many other state and federal agencies. Sometimes, matters that could be resolved as simple billing errors get escalated to criminal charges when Medicaid providers are interviewed and give evidence against themselves. Admitting to any misconduct, no matter how slight, may lead to far more serious criminal charges.
Click here for tips on how to respond to an audit by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in Handling Medicaid Audits.
Medicaid fraud is a serious crime and is vigorously investigated by the state MFCU, the Agency for Healthcare 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 physicians, nurses, 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.
Sources:
Meale, Jenn. “Attorney General Bondi Announces Arrest of Alachua County Woman for Exploiting 11 Disabled Adults.” My Florida Legal. (June 15, 2012). From: http://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases/6D12D500A38B755D85257A1E006389E5
Smith, Chad. “Former Arc Employee Arrested on Exploitation Charges.” The Gainesville Sun. (June 15, 2012). From: http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120615/articles/120619706?template=printart
About the Authors: Dr. Thu Pham, O.D., is a law clerk with 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.
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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