By Dr. Thu Pham, O.D., Law Clerk, The Health Law Firm
A Palm Beach, Florida, speech pathologist has allegedly been charged with Medicaid fraud and grand theft by the Attorney General’s (AG) Office of Statewide Prosecution. According to the press release posted on June 29, 2012, from the AG’s office, the speech pathologists is accused of attempting to defraud Medicaid out of more than $459,000.
To read the entire press release from the Florida Attorney General, click here.
Speech Therapy Performed by Unsupervised Assistants.
The speech pathologist allegedly allowed her assistants to perform unsupervised speech therapy to Medicaid recipients, many of whom were children. She then proceeded to bill Medicaid for their services, which was against Medicaid rules.
If Convicted, Speech Pathologist Could Pay More Than One Million Dollars in Fines and Spend Time in Jail.
If convicted, the speech pathologist could face up to $1.5 million dollars in fines and up to 60 years in prison.
This case was investigated by the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU). Please remember, all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
To learn more about Medicaid audit defense visit our website by clicking here.
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, medical groups, clinics, pharmacies, 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:
My Florida Legal. “Attorney General Pam Bondi Announces Arrest of a Palm Beach Speech Language Pathologist for Medicaid Fraud.” AG. From:
http://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases/E6129E7B45E2590385257A2C006A280C
Turner, Jim. “Attorney General: Speech Language Pathologist Arrested for Medicaid Fraud.” Sunshine State News. (July 2, 2012). From: http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/blog/attorney-general-speech-language-pathologist-arrested-medicaid-fraud
About the Author: Dr. Thu Pham, OD, 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.
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