The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) recently confirmed that the HHS OIG Hotline telephone number is being used as part of a telephone spoofing scam targeting individuals throughout the country. These scammers represent themselves as HHS OIG Hotline employees and can alter the appearance of the caller ID to make it seem as if the call is coming from the HHS OIG Hotline 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477). The perpetrator may use various tactics to obtain or verify the victim’s personal information, which can then be used to steal money from an individual’s bank account or for other fraudulent activity. HHS OIG takes this matter seriously. We are actively investigating this matter and intend to have the perpetrators prosecuted.
It is important to know that HHS OIG will not use the HHS OIG Hotline telephone number to make outgoing calls and individuals should not answer calls from 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477). We encourage the public to remain vigilant, protect their personal information, and guard against providing personal information during calls that purport to be from the HHS OIG Hotline telephone number. We also remind the public that it is still safe to call into the HHS OIG Hotline to report fraud. We particularly encourage those who believe they may have been a victim of the telephone spoofing scam to report that information to us through the HHS OIG Hotline 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477) or spoof@oig.hhs.gov. Individuals may also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).
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Three Deaths and Numerous Incidents of Alleged Abuse and Neglect Result in Iowa Nursing Home’s Fines of $45,750
Healthcare Compliance Perspective - Abuse and Neglect: Compliance Officers should be
Nurse Assistant Arrested for Sexual Assault on an Elderly Patient in South Texas Nursing Home
Healthcare Compliance Perspective - Sexual Assault: A Compliance Officer must
Northeast Texas Hospital Self-Discloses and Resolves Healthcare Compliance Concerns
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: A Compliance Officer, with guidance from Compliance Attorney,
How to Detect Drug Diversion in a Facility
All long-term care facilities are obligated to implement the new
Medical Records Leaked by Transcription Service
A medical transcription service provider was notified last week by
Case Study: Failure to Observe Narcotic Medication Protocol and Missing Fentanyl Patches
Failure to Observe Narcotic Medication Protocol and Missing Fentanyl Patches A
Nursing Home Fighting $25,000 State Fine
Healthcare Compliance Perspective - Nursing Home State Fine: Policies and procedures
New CMS Rules on the Management of Controlled Substances
In response to a growing problem in drug diversion in
Owner of Assisted Living Home in Florida Accused of Elder Abuse Charges, Arrested and Jailed
Healthcare Compliance Perspective / Elder Abuse Charges: Unresolved citations for substandard
Oahu Physical Therapist Pleads Guilty to Healthcare Fraud
Healthcare Compliance Perspective - Healthcare Fraud: Services provided by non-licensed persons
Pittsburgh Pharmacist Sentenced to Prison for Misbranded Drug Scheme
A federal district court judge has sentenced a resident of
New CMS Controlled Substance Control Guidelines
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) set the
Tennessee Nursing Home Fined and Admissions Suspended After Annual Survey
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Failure to investigate and prevent the continuing
No Water and a Faulty Sprinkler Alarm Cited in Nursing Home Fire
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Emergency preparedness auditing requires a hands on
U.S. DOJ Charges Missouri Nursing Home’s Social Services Director with Identity Theft from Elderly Residents
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Suspicious activity that could potentially alert staff to
United States Files Suit Against Pennsylvania Physician for Prescribing Opioids Without Medical Purpose
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Medicare abuse describes practices that result in
Exclusion List/License Checks
Exclusion List/License Checks Case A certified nursing assistant had been working at
Doctor Lands in Prison for Unlicensed Staff
Anthony Enrico, a Passaic County Podiatrist, was sentenced to three
VA OIG Report Reveals New York VA Medical Center Personnel Failed to Try and Resuscitate a Dying Patient
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Licensed employees must not only refrain from acting
Nurse Accused of Removing Fentanyl Patches from Nursing Home Residents
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: The Compliance Officer will work with the Pharmacy,
Employee Screening in Skilled Nursing Facilities: What Questions Not to Ask
Knowing which questions not to ask during employee screening is
Heart Pump Manufacturer Agrees to Pay $3.1 Million to Resolve Kickback Allegations
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Light meals may be offered in conjunction with
Employee Screening in Skilled Nursing Facilities: What Questions to Ask
Once all the legal stipulations have been met, and it
Justice Department Launches Initiative to Fight Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Healthcare providers must develop a written policy and
Academic Medical Center Employees Fired for Snooping into Patients’ Private Health Information
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: It is essential for skilled nursing facilities to
Internet Robots (Spiders, Crawlers and Web Bots) May Put Healthcare Organizations at Risk for HIPAA Violations
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Inappropriate use of healthcare provider computers increases the
Employee Screening in Skilled Nursing Facilities: An Introduction
Most SNF employers are aware of the necessity of screening
Getting Compliance Right: Disciplinary Steps and Procedure Reassessment
Skilled nursing facilities (SNF) receiving federal funds are obligated to
U.S. Files False Claims Act Complaint Against Compounding Pharmacy, Private Equity Firm, and Two Pharmacy Executives Alleging Payment of Kickbacks
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Fraud, based upon kickbacks, always involves an emphasis
Former Long-Term Care Ombudsman Pleads Guilty to Stealing from Nursing Home Resident
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Public officials must maintain integrity for our
Springfield Nursing Home Residents Take Narcotics from Unsecured Medication Drawer
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Audits must address medication diversion must account
California Nursing Home Sued for Injury to Former Resident’s Eye
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Individual occurrences, in an of themselves, are
3 New Cases of Legionnaires at Illinois Veterans’ Home
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: An effective Compliance and Ethics Program requires
Woman Found Dead Inside Speedway Nursing Home Leads to Licensing Complaint
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: A licensed healthcare professional is responsible, not only
Cousins Committing $2.6 Million in Healthcare Fraud Get Suspended
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: An effective Compliance and Ethics Program requires a
Navigating Alternative payment models (APM) and the Data in 2018 for Home Care Agencies:
By ShirleyAnn Janulewicz RN, BSN, PHN Competing in today’s healthcare market
Wisconsin Nursing Homes Close as Costs Rise and Reimbursement Rates Can’t Keep Up
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: In situations of financial distress, it is important
Getting Compliance Right: Training and Auditing
Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) receiving federal funds are obligated to
Elopement Assessment After Hospitalization
A resident was readmitted from the hospital, and staff did
Resident’s Death Raises Alarm About Security
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: It is essential to develop elopement risk prevention
Getting Compliance Right: Structure and Policies
Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) receiving federal funds are obligated to
Physician Admits Guilt in Conspiring to Unlawfully Distribute and Dispense Controlled Substances and Health Care Fraud
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: It is essential that healthcare providers conduct background
Pathologist Testifies Nursing Home Staff Had Chance to Save Lives
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: It is essential to have clear policies and
Attorney General Sues Fentanyl Maker for Deceptive Promotion of Prescription Opioid
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Prescription drug off-label marketing potentially injures many people
Home Health Care Provider to Pay $6.4 Million to Settle Allegations of False Medicaid Billing
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Medicare Fraud and Abuse is serious problem that
U.S. Obtains $16.2 Million Judgment Against MRI Provider for Submitting False Claims
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Medicare reimbursement requires medical services be performed in
Hospital Agrees to Pay $89,000 to Settle EEOC Religious Discrimination Suit
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: A Compliance Program assists a healthcare provider in
Doctor and Patient Recruiters Charged in $18 Million Illegal Distribution of Prescription Drugs Scheme
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: All offers of employment for any position within
Preparing for a Compliance Program Audit
Preparing for a Compliance Program Audit By: Louise LindseyEditor & Betty
Dealing with an EEOC Charge Relating to Sexual Harassment/Discrimination
If all attempts to settle a complaint of sexual harassment
Indiana Hospital Ransomware Attackers Demand Bitcoin Payment
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Healthcare providers are unfortunately a vulnerable target for
Georgia State Authorities Dismantle Systematic Elder Abuse and Medicaid Fraud Scheme
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Sometimes a fraud comes along that is just
Healthcare Provider to Pay $2.3 Million to Settle Potential HIPAA Violations
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: When a potential breach of Protected Health Information
Kmart Corporation to Pay U.S. $32.3 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations
Kmart Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation
Colorado Nursing Home Deaths Lead to 5 Homicide Charges
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: The Residents' Bill of Rights ensures that every
California Healthcare Corporation Agrees to $325K Settlement in Disability Discrimination Class Action Suit
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: All employees in the workplace are responsible for
Medicaid Fraud Complaint Filed Against Former Physicians and Their Business Entities for Filing False Claims
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Compliance Perspective: False claims and billing fraud may
Training Staff to Avoid Sexual Harassment Incidents
The best way an institution can avoid damaging sexual discrimination
Former Nursing Home Executives Plead Guilty in Kickback Scheme
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: It is essential that all current employees and
Nursing Home Resident Received a Wound Possibly from a Cigarette Burn
A resident has a wound that he claims is related
U.S. Sues Diagnostics Company for Allegedly Billing Medicare for Unnecessary Home Sleep Tests
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Each employee and vendor of a healthcare provider
Virginia Doctor Sentenced to 30 Years for Oxycodone Distribution Conspiracy
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Vendors must be screened prior to conducting business
Resident Died and No Defibrillator (AED) Was Used
A resident notified a nurse that she would like to
Developing the Correct Procedure to Deal with Sexual Harassment Claims
Once a sexual discrimination or harassment claim has been made,
Arrests Made in Alleged Cover Up of Neglect and Abuse in Nursing Home
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Intentional and/or reckless false documentation is a crime,
Pennsylvania DOH Fines Nursing Home Nearly $800,000
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: When compliance violations are originally detected, it is
Three New York Diagnostic Testing Facility Owners Charged for Fraud Scheme
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Physicians, employees, diagnostic testing facilities, and various other
Defining Sexual Harassment and Discrimination
Having a clear definition of what constitutes sexual harassment and
Imaging Companies and Owners Resolve Swapping and Medicare Fraud Allegations
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: The Anti-Kickback Statute makes it a crime to
Oncology Company Agrees to Pay $26 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Facilities should consistently audit various aspects of their
Connecticut Nursing Home Fined
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Substandard quality of care arising from ineffective
Medical Center Agrees to Settle ADA Claim with Individual Who Is Deaf
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Residents/patients have the right to be fully informed
Investigation: The Third Stage of the CMS New Survey Process
The “Investigative Process” forms the third major component of the
Facility Evacuation Due to Area Fire Danger
Case Study: Emergency Preparedness A fire in the vicinity caused
Hospital Pharmacy Technician Suspended for Diversion of Medications and Compounding Medication Errors
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Employees for healthcare companies shall adhere to a
Sample Selection: The Second Stage of the CMS’s New Survey Process
“Sample Selection” forms the second major component of the Centers
DPH Assesses Fines on Nursing Homes for Care Infractions
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: A pattern of submitting claims to Medicare or
EEOC Sues Foundation for Race and Age Discrimination
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Healthcare providers must be committed to equal opportunity
Former Owner and Co-Conspirator of Sleep Study Clinics Charged With Estimated $200 Million in Health Care Fraud and Tax Evasion
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Under federal law, directors, officers, and physicians who
Nurse Charged in Resident’s Death for Medication Errors
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Each resident's drug regimen must be free from
Home Healthcare Company Settles EEOC Disability Discrimination Suit for $25,000
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Healthcare providers, under the Americans with Disabilities Act,
Initial Pool: The First Stage of the CMS’s New Survey Process
The “Initial Pool Process” (IPP) forms the first major component
CNA Accused of Credit Card Theft Has License Placed Under Emergency Restriction
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Healthcare providers must ensure that employed individuals have
Sensitive Medical Records Carelessly Dumped in Public Recycling Bin
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Healthcare providers must ensure that any documentation containing
Physician-Owned Hospital to Pay $7.5 Million to Settle Kickback Allegations to Physicians in Exchange for Surgical Referrals
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: The Anti-Kickback Statute makes it a crime for
A 70-year-old Woman Arrested for Possession of Toxic Ricin Poison
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Residents have the right to personal items only
Nursing Home Resident Dies After Van Accident
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Employees can only perform at the level of
The New Survey Process: What is it, and Why?
November 28, 2017 was the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Man Sentenced on Health Care Fraud Conviction
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Medicare Fraud is knowingly submitting false claims to
Social Media and HIPAA Violations: A Risk for Healthcare Providers
Social Media and HIPAA The time when social media involved only
Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing from Nursing Home Residents
Charged with 20 criminal counts of "theft and receiving stolen
EEOC’S Final Judgment Finds Health Center Guilty of Sexual Discrimination
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Harassment based on specific characteristics is unacceptable conduct
Operator of Purported Durable Medical Equipment Providers Pleads Guilty
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Compliance Officers must focus on ensuring that products
Lawsuit Accuses Senior Living Facility of Elder Abuse and Negligence
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Healthcare Providers can work in partnership with local
Creating the “Systematic Analysis and Systemic Action” Element of a QAPI
The “Systematic Analysis and Systemic Action” element of the Centers
Doctor Pleads Guilty to Billing Health Care Programs with No Medical License or Office
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: It is the obligation of the employee to
Nursing Home Companies Settle Allegations of Poor Care
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Knowingly submitting claims for services provided that are
Setting up the “Performance Improvement Project” Element of a QAPI
The “Performance Improvement Project” (PIP) element of the Centers for
Federal Agents Investigating Exposure of Patient Data
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: If a breach of protected
Hospital and Heart Specialists’ Practice Settle Lawsuit for $20.7 Million
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Compliance Officers must emphasize with management to refrain
Feedback, Data Systems, and Monitoring: The Third Element of QAPI
The “Feedback, Data Systems, and Monitoring” element of the Centers
San Diego Pharmacy to Pay $60,000 to Settle Equal Pay Discrimination Suit
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Healthcare providers are prohibited from basing pay rates,
Bed Rails Cited as Cause in Nursing Home Death
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: The inappropriate use of restraints constitutes substandard quality
Physician Sentenced to Prison for Fraudulent Prescriptions
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Civil penalties for violating the Federal False Claims
Nurse Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Misappropriating Residents’ Pain Pills
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement studies can be
Preparing the “Governance and Leadership” Element of QAPI
The “Governance and Leadership” element of the Centers for Medicare
Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Fined for Financial Abuse of Resident
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Compliance Officers need to monitor their staff for
Bomb Threat Causes Evacuation of Assisted Living and Rehab Facility
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: It is required by law for all healthcare
Employee’s Claims of Sexual Harassment by Patients Is Not Severe Enough to Support Her Claim of a Hostile Working Environment
Compliance Perspective: Harassment occurs when the unwanted conduct is a condition
Preparing the “Design and Scope” Element of QAPI
The “Design and Scope” element of the Centers for Medicare
Class Action Suits Still a Gray Area in the Nursing Home Environment
By: David Barmak, Esq. Three recent class action suits involving long-term-care
QAPI: Engaging the Interdisciplinary Team Around Quality
By: Marianna Kern Grachek, MSN, RN, NHA, FACHCA, CDONA, FACDONNA
QAPI Deadline Approaching: Is Your Facility Ready?
All long-term-care (LTC) facilities must, by law, have a “Quality
SNF Emergency Preparedness: A Communication Plan
A critical element of the legally-required emergency preparedness procedures at
Caretaker to plead guilty after elderly patient dies from bed bug bites
Healthcare Compliance Alert: Compliance and Ethics Committees must verify that exterminators
Prescription Painkillers from Adult Care Homes Are Being Diverted to the Black Market
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Compliance Officers must ensure that their provider is
Robbers Steal Medications from Iowa Nursing Home at Gunpoint
Healthcare Compliance Perspectives: Compliance and Ethics Committees must ensure facility access
Missouri Nursing Home Patient Rescued from Sinkhole
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: The Compliance and Ethics Committee must ensure that
Former Nurse Convicted of Stealing Patient Information, Files over $1M in Fraudulent Claims with IRS
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Compliance and Ethics Committees must be cognizant of
Former President of Harris County Medical Society and Affiliated Facilities Settle Allegations of Medicare Fraud
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: If sidestepping standard medical procedures to boost profits
Former Nursing Home Biller Charged With Medicaid Fraud
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: An effective Compliance and Ethics Program
SNF Emergency Preparedness: Emergency Power Supplies
While it might seem obvious that all skilled or long-term
Pharmacy Chain Agrees to Pay Almost $2.7M to Settle Claims It Recycled Drugs
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care pharmacies must
Pleas in Freezing Death of Alzheimer’s Patient
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Failure to provide adequate supervision and response to
Modifications to the Quality of Patient Care Star Rating Algorithm for Home Health Agencies
By ShirleyAnn Janulewicz RN, BSN, PHN Patient Care Star Rating is an important tool
Succeeding with the New Home Health Agency CoP’s
By ShirleyAnn Janulewicz RN, BSN, PHN As per a webinar I
SNF Emergency Preparedness: Training and Testing
Once a skilled or long-term nursing facility has an Emergency
Attorney General Announces Jail Time for Home Health Care Agency Owner Convicted of Wage Theft
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Violation of wage and hour laws potentially create
Hurricanes and Other Disasters: Is Your Facility Really Compliant?
By: Jeannine LeCompte, Compliance Research Specialist, Med-Net Compliance, LLC The destruction
Tips on Caring for Older Adults in an Emergency Situation
Proper advance preparation for the care of older adults in
Skilled Nursing Facility Disaster Preparedness – Survive Financially and Physically
At least 25 percent of all businesses that close due
Attorney General Announces Jail Time for Home Health Care Agency Owner Convicted of Wage Theft
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Compliance Officers must ensure that Human Resources and
Massachusetts Nursing Home Required to Pay $350,000 in Elopement Case
In a settlement one-week prior to trial, a nursing home
SNF Emergency Preparedness: “All-Hazards” Planning Requirements
On November 15, 2017, the Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare
Nine Arrested for Abusing an Elderly Patient in Connecticut Psychiatric Hospital
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Patient Abuse violates Medicare Conditions of Participation which,
Resident Injured when Care Plan Not Followed
A resident reported pain in her shoulder. Bruising was present,
78 Year-Old-Woman Missing Since August 24 from Bethlehem Nursing Home Found September 19 in Allentown
Last August, a woman with Alzheimer’s disease was reported missing
Nursing Home Resident Died After Improper Feeding through Gastric Tube
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Failure to observe a resident's plan of care
E-Mail Breached the Personal Health Information of Over 26,000 Patients in Arkansas Medical Facility
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: False claims may result when a healthcare provider
NY Husband Admitted Attacking Wife with Hammer While Visiting at Nursing Home
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Skilled nursing facilities are required to provide adequate
Two Shootings in Two Hospitals Emphasize Emergency Preparedness Need
By: Louise Lindsey, B.S., M.A., D.Div. Editor Last week, there were
State Imposes Admissions Freeze After Inspections Find Problems at Massachusetts Nursing Home
Compliance Perspective: It is the Compliance Officer's responsibility when a
86-Year-Old Man with Dementia in Massachusetts Nursing Home Allegedly Killed by Roommate
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Prompt response and corrective action is required when
Three Former Hospice Nurses Charged in 5-year-old Felony Drug Diversion Case
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Deliberately dispensing an incorrect medication, strength, or dosage
Nursing Home Workers Often Fail to Change Medical Gloves
The September 2017, issue of the American Journal of Infection
Lawsuit against Nursing Home by Families and Residents Alleging Powerful Drugs Prescribed without Consent Is Settled
Compliance Perspective: Deliberately ignoring or failing to obtain a resident's or
Oklahoma Doctor Agrees to Pay $580,000 to Settle Allegations of Submitting False Claims to Medicare
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: The Compliance Officer is responsible for developing and
Chicago Family Suing Nursing Home for Alleged Failure to Resuscitate
Compliance Perspective: Failure to follow advance directives can result in significant
Oceans and Borders Do Not Constrain Greed and Healthcare Fraud
“Man’s inhumanity to man” has no boundaries as evidenced by
Despite Federal Law, Nursing Homes Failing to Report Abuse
Compliance Perspective: The compliance officer shall commence an investigation as soon
Nursing Home Social Worker Sentenced in Medicaid Fraud, Financial Exploitation of Patients
Compliance Perspective: Audits must be performed to ensure that nursing home
Hospital Calls Man, 70, Leaping to His Death from Eighth Floor of Fresno Hospital an “Unfortunate Accident”
Last week, a 70-year-old man was able to break a
Home Health Agency Owner Receives Lengthy Sentence for Conspiring to Defraud Medicare & Medicaid Fraud of $17 million
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Kickbacks paid to referral sources and/or Medicare beneficiaries
Nursing Home Finds More Water Tainted with Legionella Bacteria
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Providing patients with services that do not meet
Insurance Company Accused of Violating Teen’s Privacy
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: When disclosing PHI, a nursing home must
Healthcare Worker Steals Over $70,000 from Elderly Woman
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: A Compliance Officer must ensure that families understand
New Owners Say Facility’s Downgraded Rating Is Due to Residents Now Getting Better Care—True? or False?
The new CEO and vice president of the company that
Massachusetts Parties Reach Settlement in Wrongful Termination/Retaliation Suit Against Nursing Home
A woman who worked as a CNA, accused her employer,
A Felony Conviction, But No Jail Time for Former Director of Nursing
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: A false claim may result from knowingly misrepresenting
Assisted Living Facility in West Duluth Settles Wrongful Death Suit
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: A false claim may result from knowingly providing
Disability Discrimination in a Tennessee Nursing Home
A custodian at a Tennessee nursing home alleged that when
Fentanyl Poses a Responder Safety Concern for Healthcare Providers
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Compliance Officer needs to audit their provider's policy/procedure
Palm Harbor Oncologist Sentenced to Nearly Six Years for Treating Patients with Unapproved Cancer Drugs
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: A culture of compliance and ethics requires manager/owner's
New Jersey Gov. Signs ‘Peggy’s Law’ Protecting Seniors in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities from Abuse
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: This new statute applies to New Jersey only;
Operators of Bogus Medical Clinics Charged in Conspiracy to Divert Massive Amounts of Prescription Narcotics to the Black Market
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: License, exclusion, credentialing checks are essential to detect
CA nursing home fined $100,000 fine for resident’s death and false documentation
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Worthless services coupled with intentionally falsified documentation lead
Atlanta Pain Clinic and its owner agree to pay $250,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Excluded providers shall not participate in federally funded
Texas Couple Who Stole/Unlawfully Obtained Patient Identification Information Sentenced to Federal Prison Terms
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Auditors must not only look at pink and
Former Caregivers at Michigan Vets Home Charged for Not Doing Room Checks, Falsifying Information
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: False documentation creates harm on multiple levels -
Nursing home settles with deceased estate for $270,000 in wrongful death suit
A 70-year-old woman, who had been a family physician, was
Avoiding an IT Attack: Practical Steps for Healthcare Facilities
Recent ransomware attacks against healthcare facilities have exposed many institutions
Ransomware Attack Affects 300,000 Patients of Women’s Clinic
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: If Compliance Officers are faced with an actual
Woman sentenced in Medicaid fraud case related to a minor’s death
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Healthcare fraud may at times pale by comparison
Becoming a Special Focus Facility is not a Cause for Celebration!
Becoming a Special Focus Facility is not a Cause for
Number of nursing home fines in Pennsylvania jump since 2014, total $774,750 so far this year
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: The Office of Inspector General developed new approaches
Oklahoma nursing home resident found dead in creek
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Any nursing facility can decrease their risk of
Becoming a Special Focus Facility is not a Cause for Celebration!
By: Betty Frandsen, MHA, RN, NHA, CDONA, FACDONA, C-NE, IP-BC
Mother and son charged in alleged fraud scheme against elderly relative
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: A skilled nursing facility is obligated to proactively
California issues most severe penalty possible to Bakersfield skilled-nursing facility
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: An effective Compliance and Ethics Program to a
State and Federal Attorneys Announce $4.4 Million Settlement with NY Visiting Nurse Service and Managed Long-Term Care Plan
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Overpayments, received for whatever reason, must not only
Assisted Living Facility Owners Sentenced to Federal Prison for Receipt of Health Care Kickbacks
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: The most challenging compliance exposure to root out
Florissant nursing home patient with Alzheimer’s dies after being left in tub for 8 hours, lawsuit claims
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Professional liability exists regardless of the challenges involved
Doctor pleads guilty in $1.5M toenail clipping fraud scheme
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Compliance Officers must ensure that the services billed
Brooklyn Pharmacy Owner/Operator Charged With Defrauding Medicare and Medicaid Programs of Approximately $9 Million
The defendant is accused of submitting approximately $9 million
Oklahoma City Mother and Son Sentenced to Prison for $770,000 Fraud against Medicaid
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: The recurring theme of fraud as a slippery
Preventing Ransomware Attacks: IT Education in the Healthcare Industry
By: Betty Frandsen, MHA, RN, NHA, CDONA, FACDONA, C-NE, IP-BC and Jeannine
Woman Pleads Guilty in Nursing Home Identity Theft Case
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: Healthcare providers must continuously remind themselves of the
Resident Claimed a Bedsore, Facility Claimed She Scratched It, Jury Awards $100K
An 80-year-old woman, was admitted to a healthcare and rehabilitation
Massachusetts Nursing Home Settles Complaint of Negligence for $700,000
A 59-year-old woman underwent a total right hip replacement, and
Newbury Park nursing home pays in class-action settlement
A highly-rated Catholic nursing home in Newbury Park has agreed
Hospice to pay $2.4 Million to resolve False Claims Act Allegations
Healthcare Compliance Perspective: The Federal Anti-Kickback Statute 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7(b)
Unsafe Wandering Scenario
By: Linda Winston An 83-year-old resident, identified as an elopement risk
Financial Motives Triggering Many Wrongful Eviction Complaints against Nursing Homes
By: Betty Frandsen, MHA, RN, NHA, CDONA, FACDONA, C-NE, IP-BC
Nursing Home Responsible for Resident’s Choking Death
A 57-year-old male resident at a Chicago Hispanic nursing home
Preventing Abuse and Fraud with Antibiotic Stewardship Programs
Preventing Abuse and Fraud with Antibiotic Stewardship Programs By: Betty Frandsen, MHA,
Jury awards $5 million to family for facility’s negligence in woman with dementia’s care
An elderly, 90-year-old woman, with dementia and suffering from severe
Meeting the Psychosocial Needs of the Home Health Patient
By ShirleyAnn Janulewicz RN, BSN, PHN As a home health nurse,
Tips on Maintaining Personal Safety when Working in Home Health
By: ShirleyAnn Janulewicz RN, BSN, PHN When working in home health,
Ice Cubes Show Detail Required for Legal Compliance
By: Jeannine LeCompte An injury caused by a dropped ice cube
New Jersey Expands Hidden Camera Monitoring of Healthcare Providers
By: Jo Ann Halberstadter, Esq. and Jeannine LeCompte New Jersey's existing "Safe Cam"
Nursing Home Staff Are Being Held Liable for Abuse and Neglect of Residents
By: David Barmak, Esq. A recent news headline in Grand Rapids,
Training Program Reduces Catheter-Related UTIs by 54%
By: Betty Frandsen and Jeannine LeCompte A newly-developed nursing staff training program
Medicare Advantage Swindle? “Whistleblower” Lawsuit Indicates Grassley was Right
A second “whistleblower” lawsuit which alleges that one of the
Why I Choose Home Health as a Specialty?
By ShirleyAnn Janulewicz RN, BSN, PHN Becoming a home health nurse
Case Study: Employee Misconduct – Exploitation
A resident who was hospitalized told her daughter she wanted
HHS Memo on Staff Communication with Congress “Illegal”
A Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) memo instructing
Preventing Ransomware Attacks: IT Education in the Healthcare Industry
Preventing Ransomware Attacks: IT Education in the Healthcare Industry By: Betty
HIPAA Violation: Employee Fired Over Social Media Post
A dramatic reminder has come with the news that a
CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule Implementation Deadline Is Fast Approaching
CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule Implementation Deadline Is Fast Approaching By: Louise
Case Study: Preventing Elopement -Maintaining Your 24-7 Alarm System
During the night, a resident went down in the elevator,
WHISTLEBLOWERS: Key to Supporting a Culture of Compliance under the False Claims Act (FCA)
By: David S. Barmak, Esq. The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced
Marijuana in the Skilled Nursing Facility Environment
By: David S. Barmak, JD, CEO More states in the United
Wound Care Is a Serious Concern for Skilled Nursing Facilities
By: Louise Lindsey, B.S., M.A., D.Div. According to the Centers for
Marijuana in the Skilled Nursing Facility Environment
Marijuana in the Skilled Nursing Facility Environment By: David S. Barmak,
Improper Disposal of Private Health Information (PHI)
By: Louise Lindsey, B.S., M.A., D.Div. A recent article in the
Case Study: Bullying – It Can Happen Anywhere
Bullying does not just exist out in the world, but
Case Study: Resident Smoking
Resident smoking is a high-risk area. When staff are required
Healthcare Industry Suffers 62% Increase in Data Breaches
The healthcare industry has suffered a 62 percent increase in
Nursing Home Intrusion: Not On Your Watch?
Nursing Home Intrusion: Not On Your Watch? By: David S. Barmak,
Healthcare Fraud: A Safe and Profitable Return on Criminal Investment
Healthcare Fraud: A Safe and Profitable Return on Criminal Investment By:
Advice from an Unexpected Source
Advice from an Unexpected Source By: David S. Barmak, JD, CEO Most
The Reality of the Nursing Home Admission Process
The Reality of the Nursing Home Admission Process By: David S.
False Imprisonment: A Legal Cause of Action
False Imprisonment: A Legal Cause of Action By: Betty Frandsen, MHA, RN,
Negligence in Long Term Care: Avoiding Potential Liability
Negligence in Long Term Care: Avoiding Potential Liability By: Betty Frandsen, MHA,
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Hot Topics – 06/06/2016
FRAUD/ABUSE FRAUD/ABUSE Office of Inspector General recently reported to Congress on its
Hot Topics – 05/27/2016
FRAUD/ABUSE FRAUD/ABUSE Employee of Ambulance Company Sentenced for Fraud: An employee of
Hot Topics – 05/10/2016
FRAUD/ABUSE FRAUD/ABUSE The Department of Labor has issued a new manual/guide for
Hot Topics – 05/02/2016
FRAUD/ABUSE FRAUD/ABUSE Owners of Physical Therapy Company Charged For Role in Fraud
Hot Topics – 04/18/2016
FRAUD/ABUSE FRAUD/ABUSE Qui Tam Lawsuit Filed Against Medical Providers by Medical Society:
Hot Topics – 04/11/2016
FRAUD/ABUSE FRAUD/ABUSE Ten Regional Nursing Home Task Forces to Be Created: The
Hot Topics – 03/21/2016
FRAUD/ABUSE DE Senator Questions HHS Regarding Inappropriate Social Media Posts by
Hot Topics – 03/14/2016
FRAUD/ABUSE Prison Sentence Handed Down in Scheme to Claiming to Reduce
Hot Topics – 03/07/2016
FRAUD/ABUSE A Nursing home sued after posting nude photos A lawsuit
Hot Topics – 02/08/2016
FRAUD/ABUSE CNA Receives Prison Sentence for Resident Abuse: A CNA working
Hot Topics – 01/11/2016
FRAUD/ABUSE Company Agrees to Pay $600,000 in Settlement: Genesis Healthcare LLC
Hot Topics – 01/06/2016
FRAUD/ABUSE 71 Month Prison Sentence in Fraud Case: A Texas psychiatrist
Hot Topics – 12/14/2015
FRAUD/ABUSE Laboratory to Pay $8.5 Million in False Claims Settlement: Wisconsin
Hot Topics – 11/30/2015
FRAUD/ABUSE Ohio Long-Term Care Facility to Pay $1 Million Following Death
Hot Topics – 11/04/2015
FRAUD/ABUSE South Carolina Hospital To Pay $237 Million to Resolve False
Hot Topics – 10/19/2015
FRAUD/ABUSE Long-Term Care Pharmacy Agrees to Settlement: PharMerica Corp., a long-term
Hot Topics – 10/03/2015
FRAUD/ABUSE $118.7 Million False Claims Settlement Reached: A Florida-based healthcare company
Hot Topics – 9/21/2015
FRAUD Bookkeeper Convicted of Stealing from Trust Fund Accounts of Patients:
Hot Topics – 8/10/2015
EMPLOYMENT Workplace Violence Bill Proposed in MA: The Massachusetts Nurses Association
Hot Topics – 7/31/2015
DISCRIMINATION (NON-EMPLOYMENT) ADA Settlement: A Virginia nursing home has agreed to
Hot Topics – 7/09/2015
FRAUD/ABUSE Settlement Reached Following Anti-Kickback and Stark Law Violations: The Westchester
Hot Topics – 6/29/2015
FRAUD/ABUSE Three Sentenced in Medicare Fraud Scheme: According to the Department
Hot Topics – 6/16/2015
FRAUD/ABUSE Payroll Scam: Two employees of a Pennsylvania nursing home have
Hot Topics – 6/01/2015
FRAUD/ABUSE 1. Anti-Kickback Violations: According to McKnight’s Long Term Care News,
Hot Topics – 5/27/2015
FRAUD/ABUSE 1. Anti-Kickback Violations: According to McKnight’s Long Term Care News,
Hot Topics – 5/02/2015
FRAUD/ABUSE 1. Exclusion – According to a 4/29/15 special Investigative Report
Hot Topics – 3/16/2015
MEDICARE/MEDICAID NEWS &APPEALS OF CMS PENALTIES/REMEDIES 1. MDS Focused Surveys to
Hot Topics – 1/12/2015
FRAUD 1. Kickbacks - Long Term Care Pharmacy: United States Department
Hot Topics – 12/29/2014
LITIGATION 1. Production of Quality Assurance Committee documents under the Federal
Hot Topics – 11/21/2014
FRAUD 1. A new bill introduced by Representatives Ted Deutch (D-FL)
Hot Topics – 11/14/2014
FRAUD 1. Exclusion: The Office of Inspector General for HHS settled
Hot Topics – 10/27/2014
FRAUD 1. Pharmacy: A NJ pharmacist, with a compounding pharmacy in
Hot Topics – 10/10/2014
FRAUD 1. Two Whistle-Blower suits, under the False Claims Act, were
Hot Topics – 10/03/2014 – Part – 2
I. FRAUD Health and Human Services issued a proposed rule on
Hot Topics – 10/03/2014 – Part – 1
FRAUD 1. Two Detroit-area residents were arrested and charged with conspiracy
Hot Topics – 9/15/2014
FRAUD 1. Maryland nursing home agrees to pay $1.3 million settlement