Compliance News Roundup: OIG Testimony on Nursing Homes

1. Houston Psychiatrist Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Prison for Role in $155 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme – “A Houston psychiatrist was sentenced today to 150 months in prison for his role in a $155 million Medicare fraud scheme involving false and fraudulent claims for psychiatric services.” Get the full scoop >>

2. South Florida Pharmacist Convicted of Health Care Fraud for Role in $5 Million Compounding Pharmacy Scheme – “A federal jury found a South Florida pharmacist guilty today of health care fraud for his role in a $5 million compounding pharmacy scheme. Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg of the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Robert F. Lasky of the FBI’s Miami Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Shimon R. Richmond of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG)’s Miami Regional Office, Special Agent in Charge John F. Khin of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General – Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS)’s Southeast Field Office and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi made the announcement. Get the full scoop >>

3. Deeper Than the Headlines: OIG Testimony on Nursing Homes – “Everyone has a boss they answer to, even the OIG. The OIG is frequently reporting to their ultimate boss(es), the U.S. Congress and they often do so via the testimony they provide to various committees and subcommittees. In early September, Ruth Ann Dorrill, Regional Inspector General for the OIG provider her testimony, “Examining Federal Efforts to Ensure Quality of Care and Resident Safety in Nursing Homes” to the United States House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. Of course, many nursing homes provide excellent care and are diligent in protecting their residents. But Ms. Dorrill testified that an alarming number of residents are subject to costly medical harm, unsafe conditions, and abuse and neglect, much of it preventable with better practices and oversight. The OIG found that one in 3 three Medicare residents in skilled nursing facilities experienced harm from the care provided, and half of these harm events were preventable.” Get the full scoop >>

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