Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) | The Health Law Firm Blog

Ex-Hospital Employee Admits to Stealing and Selling Confidential Patient Information

By Lance O. Leider, J.D., and George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On October 22, 2012, a former Florida Hospital employee admitted to stealing patient information that was used to target customers for lawyers and chiropractors, according to a number of sources. The man allegedly pleaded guilty in Orlando federal court to one count of conspiracy and one count of wrongful disclosure of health information, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). By accessing this information the man violated criminal provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

To read a press release on the guilty plea from the DOJ, click here.

You may remember the news story about a privacy breach at Florida Hospital back in October 2011. The breach involved more than 700,000 patient records that were accessed by the ex-employee between 2009 and 2011. We previously wrote about that story. Click here to read the blog.

Patients Received Calls from Lawyer and Chiropractor Referrals.

Federal investigators said the ex-hospital worker was looking specifically for information on car accident victims. He would allegedly sell that information to co-conspirators.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) affidavit, some patients would receive calls offering lawyer or chiropractor referrals about a week after their hospital visit.

The FBI also allegedly found payments from co-conspirators to the former hospital employee.

To read the FBI affidavit, click here.

Will the Ex-Employee Get Prison Time?

According to the Orlando Sentinel, the ex-Florida Hospital worker faces up to 15 years in federal prison for these criminal charges.

Click here to read the entire article from the Orlando Sentinel.

The man will be sentenced on January 14, 2013. Be sure to check our blog for updates to this story.

Be Sure to Get a HIPAA Risk Assessment to Avoid Violations.

As a health provider you know that you must safeguard and protect confidential patient medical information to avoid civil and criminal penalties against you and your practice. A HIPAA Risk Assessment is a thorough review and analysis of areas where you may have risk of violating the HIPAA laws. We recently wrote a blog on this subject, click here to view it.

HIPAA Privacy Complaints Are Effective.

Many individuals whose privacy is breached fail to realize how effective a HIPAA Privacy Complaint can be. These complaints, which can be filed online to the Office of Civil Rights (OCR), are fully investigated. Stiff civil fines and even criminal prosecutions may result.

Since the time period is short for filing these (180 days), the first step you should take, if your medical privacy is breached, should be to file a HIPAA Privacy Complaint.

Contact Health Attorneys Experienced in the Confidentiality of Medical Records.

Our attorneys provide advice and legal opinions on confidentiality of medical records and medical information, including HIPAA Privacy Regulation, and are available to testify as expert witnesses on these issues.

For a list of applicable Federal and Florida legal authorities on “super-confidential” medical information such as mental health, HIV and drug or alcohol treatment records click here.

To contact The Health Law Firm please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Comments?

Have you been following this story? Do you think the ex-hospital employee should receive the maximum sentence? Please leave any thoughtful comments below.

Sources:

Pavuk, Amy. “Ex-Hospital Employee Pleads Guilty to Stealing Patient Information.” Orlando Sentinel. (October 22, 2012). From: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-florida-hospital-patient-records-arrest-20121022,0,5057291.story

Department of Justice. “Former Florida Hospital Employee Pleads Guilty To Data Theft.” DOJ. (October 22, 2012). Press Release From: ttp://www.justice.gov/usao/flm/press/2012/oct/20121022_Munroe.html

About the Authors: Lance O. Leider is an attorney 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 Avenue, Altamonte Springs, Florida 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.

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:00:40-04:00June 1, 2018|Categories: HIPAA, In the Know, In the News, The Health Law Firm Blog|Tags: audit attorneys, confidentiality of medical records, defense attorney, defense lawyer, Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), health care attorney, health care audits, health care laywer, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), HIPAA audits, HIPAA compliance, HIPAA Privacy Complaint, HIPAA Privacy Regulation, legal representation, medical records, patient records, privacy breach|Comments Off

Former Daytona Beach Chiropractor Will Spend More Than 15 Years Behind Bars

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

A former Daytona Beach chiropractor will spend more than 15 years in federal prison for an alleged health care fraud scheme and illegally prescribing pills, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Jacksonville Division. He was also ordered to pay more than $2 million in restitution to his victims. The former chiropractor was sentenced on November 29, 2012, by a United States District Judge who called his fraud scheme “sophisticated.”

Click here to read the press release from the FBI.

I previously wrote about this scheme in August 2012, when the former chiropractor was found guilty. To read that blog, click here.

Complex Scheme Involved a Number of Co-Conspirators.

According to the Daytona Beach News Journal, the former chiropractor is thought to have worked with five other doctors in a scheme. The group allegedly split the money they collected from sending inflated bills to insurance companies, including Medicare.

Former Chiropractor Allegedly Prescribed Controlled Substances to Patients.

FBI investigators also accused the former chiropractor of writing prescriptions for controlled substances. Since the man could not prescribe controlled substances, he would use the names of medical doctors who most likely knew their names were being used illegally. It’s believed that there were about a dozen patients who overdosed on controlled substances prescribed by the former chiropractor, according to the Daytona Beach News Journal.

Click here to read the entire Daytona Beach News Journal article.

Effects of Voluntarily Relinquishing a Professional License.

Back in December of 2011, the former chiropractor voluntarily relinquished his license. We almost always counsel our clients to refrain from voluntarily relinquishing their licenses. A voluntary relinquishment of a license in the face of a pending investigation is treated, for all practical purposes, the same as a disciplinary revocation.

The consequences will usually include:

1. Mandatory report to the National Practitioner Data Base (NPDB) (Note: Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank or HIPDB recently folded into NPDB) which remains there for 50 years.

2. Any other states or jurisdictions in which the client has a license will also initiate action against him or her in that jurisdiction. (Note: I have had two clients who had licenses in seven other states).

3. Action to revoke, suspend or take other action against the clinical privileges and medical staff membership of those licensed health professionals who may have such in a hospital, ambulatory surgical center, skilled nursing facility, or staff model HMO or clinic.

4. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will take action to exclude the provider from the Medicare Program. If this occurs (and most of these offenses require mandatory exclusion) the provider will be placed on the List of Excluded Individuals and Entities (LEIE) maintained by the HHS OIG.

5. If the above occurs, the provider is also automatically “debarred” or prohibited from participating in any capacity in any federal contracting and is placed on the U.S. General Services Administration’s (GSA’s) debarment list.

6. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will act to revoke the

professional’s DEA registration if he or she has one.

7. The board certified health professional’s certifying organization will act to revoke his or her certification.

For more reasons why a health care provider should not relinquish a professional license, click here.

Innocent Until Proven Guilty.

Remember, all person are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law. In this case, the chiropractor has been convicted in a court of law.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in Handling Medicare Audits.
Medicare fraud is a serious crime and is vigorously investigated by 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), state Medicaid Fraud Control Units (MFCUs) 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.

The Health Law Firm’s attorneys routinely represent physicians, nurses, chiropractors, 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.

Comments?

Do you think this sentence is too steep? Do you think the doctors the former chiropractor worked with will receive the same sentence? Please leave any thoughtful comments below.

Sources:

Pavuk, Amy. “Chiropractor gets 15 Years Prison for Illegally Writing Prescriptions and Healthcare Fraud.” Orlando Sentinel. (November 28, 2012). From: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-chiropractor-painkillers-sentence-20121128,0,60766.story

Federal Bureau of Investigation. “Former Daytona Beach Chiropractor Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Federal Prison.” FBI. (November 29, 2012). From: http://www.fbi.gov/jacksonville/press-releases/2012/former-daytona-beach-clinic-owner-sentenced-to-more-than-15-years-in-federal-prison

Longa, Lyda. “Judge Sentences Chiropractor Joseph Wagner to 15-Year Term.” Daytona Beach News Journal. (November 28, 2012). From: http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20121128/NEWS/311289998/1025?p=2&tc=pg

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.

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:00:41-04:00June 1, 2018|Categories: DEA, Medicare, Medicare Fraud, The Health Law Firm Blog|Tags: board of chiropractic medicine, chiropractor, chiropractor licensing, criminal charges, defense attorney, defense lawyer, Department of Justice, DOJ, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), healthcare fraud, legal defense for chiropractors, legal representation for chiropractors, license relinquishment, medicare, medicare audit, Medicare fraud, Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), painkillers, prescription, quality assurance, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)|Comments Off

Signing False Medicare Claims Lands Nurse Behind Bars for 30 Months

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

A Detroit-area registered nurse was sentenced on November 19, 2012, to 30 months in federal prison for his alleged part in a nearly $13.8 million Medicare fraud scheme. According to a Department of Justice (DOJ) press release, he will serve probation after being released from prison. He was also ordered to pay more than $450,000 in restitution, together with his co-defendants.

Click here to read the entire press release from the DOJ.

Nurse Signed Medical Records for Services Never Rendered.

According to the nurse’s plea agreement, from December 2008 through September 2011, he was paid to sign medical records for a home health care agency that billed Medicare for services that were allegedly never rendered. The man reportedly admitted to not seeing or treating the Medicare beneficiaries for whom he signed medical documentation. He also admitted to knowing that the documents he signed were being used for false claims. According to an article from Health Exec News, the man was paid around $150 for each fake file that he signed.

To read the article from Health Exec News, click here.

A Handful of Alleged Co-Conspirators Waiting to Be Sentenced.

Nine alleged co-defendants in this case have pleaded guilty and are waiting to be sentenced, while three others are fugitives and six more are awaiting trial, according to the DOJ. In total, the home health agency was paid close to $13.8 million by Medicare.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in Representing Nurses.

The Health Law Firm’s attorneys routinely represent nurses in Department of Health (DOH) investigations, Department of Justice (DOJ) investigations, in appearances before the Board of Nursing in licensing matters and in many other legal matters. We represent nurses across the U.S., and throughout Florida.

To contact The Health Law Firm please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Comments?

Do you think the registered nurse received a sentence that was too harsh? Please leave any thoughtful comments below.

Sources:

Health Exec News. “Medicare Fraud Scheme: Nurse Gets Jail Time for Signing False Claims.” Health Exec News. (November 23, 2012). From: http://healthexecnews.com/nurse-medicare-fraud-scheme

Department of Justice. “Detroit-Area Nurse Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Role in $13.8 Million Home Health Care Fraud Scheme.” Department of Justice. (November 19, 2012). From: ttp://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2012/November/12-crm-1389.html

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.

Hydrocodone Combination Drugs Could Be Reclassified to Schedule II Category of Controlled Substances

By Lance O. Leider, J.D., The Health Law Firm, and George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee voted 19 to 10 in favor of moving hydrocodone combination drugs from schedule III into the more restrictive schedule II category of controlled substances. According to a number of different sources, on January 25, 2013, the committee presented this recommendation to the FDA. If approved, hydrocodone combination drugs, such as Vicodin, will be harder for physicians to prescribe.

The advisory committee met because the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is requesting the FDA to approve the reclassification of hydrocodone combination products. The DEA wants to help curb the growing number of people across the country addicted to painkillers.

Click here to read an FDA briefing document given to the advisory committee.

It is now up to the FDA to decide whether or not to implement the advisory committee’s decision as to whether hydrocodone combination drugs will stay labeled as schedule III controlled substances or move to schedule II controlled substances. If medications containing hydrocodone are moved to schedule II, they will be in the same category as the widely abused oxycodone.

Hydrocodone Abuse is Serious.

Currently, hydrocodone products are the most widely prescribed drugs in the U.S., according to an article on MedPage Today. Records show that painkiller abuse kills more people in America than heroin and cocaine combined. The DEA argues that since these drugs are so frequently abused, they should be more tightly controlled.

To read the MedPage Today article, click here.

What You Need to Know as a Health Care Provider.

This change would have wide-spread consequences for health care professionals, especially doctors and pharmacists. Under the schedule II category of controlled substances, physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners would no longer be legally allowed to prescribe hydrocodone combination drugs.

If the recommendation is accepted, it would be more difficult for patients to obtain refills on hydrocodone combination drugs. Refills without a new prescription, faxed prescriptions and prescriptions called in by telephone would all be banned. Only written prescriptions from a doctor would be allowed.

If the recommendation is adopted, much stricter scrutiny on the purchasing, prescribing, retailing and use of these medications can also be expected. Prosecutions and administrative actions can also be expected to follow.

The FDA is also debating the DEA’s request to limit prescriptions of hydrocodone combination pills to a 90-day supply instead of the current regulations which permit five refills within six months.

Arguments Heard Against the Reclassification.

According to an article in The New York Times, many opponents spoke against the recommendation. Advocates for nursing home patients argued that weak and elderly residents with chronic pain would have to make a difficult trip to see a doctor just to get a prescription refilled. Click here to read The New York Times article.

Some committee members questioned if there was another option to consider versus changing the scheduling. They questioned whether greater use of e-prescribing and Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs, as well as better education efforts for clinicians and patients would be better solutions for the drug abuse epidemic.

Now it remains to be seen how the FDA will interpret the advisory committee’s recommendation.

Florida’s Prescription Drug Abuse Epidemic.

Florida law enforcement including the DEA, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Department of Health (DOH) all seem to be having a hard time keeping up with prescription drug abuse in Florida.

We have written a number of blogs on the abuse of narcotics in Florida. See our blog on a fake prescription ring busted in Osceola County, and a Central Florida nurse accused of illegally obtaining prescriptions for painkillers, for example. Check our website for similar blogs.

Pharmacists, pharmacies, legal distributors and physicians are often too caught up in the frenzy to stem prescription drug abuse and to eliminate “pill mills.”

Call Experienced Health Law Attorneys for Your Legal Needs.

The Health Law Firm routinely represents pharmacists, pharmacies, physicians, nurses and other health providers in investigations, regulatory matters, licensing issues, litigation, inspections and audits involving the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Health (DOH) and other law enforcement agencies. Its attorneys include those who are board certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law as well as licensed health professionals who are also attorneys.

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.
Sound Off.

As a health care professional, do you think hydrocodone products should be labeled as a schedule II controlled substance? What are the positive and negative effects of this decision? Please leave any thoughtful comment below.
Sources:

Fiore, Kristina. “FDA Panel Votes for Tighter Controls on Vicodin.” MedPage Today. (January 25, 2013). From: http://bit.ly/X8qlsu

Tavernise, Sabrina. “F.D.A. Likely to Add Limits on Painkillers.” The New York Times. (January 25, 2013). From: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/26/health/fda-vote-on-restricting-hydrocodone-products-vicodin.html?_r=0
About the Authors: Lance O. Leider is an attorney 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 Avenue, Altamonte Springs, Florida 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.

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:00:45-04:00June 1, 2018|Categories: Administrative law, Department of Health, In the Know, Pain Management, The Health Law Firm Blog|Tags: administrative hearings, defense attorney, defense lawyer, Department of Health (DOH), doctors, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), hydrocodone, license defense counsel, nurse practitioner, pharmacists, physician assistants (PAs), physicians, schedule II controlled substances, schedule III controlled substances|Comments Off

Major Medicare Offender Sentenced to Prison for Multi-Million Dollar Health Care Fraud Scheme

By Lance O. Leider, J.D., The Health Law Firm

The former owner of four mental health facilities in South Florida and North Carolina was sentenced to fourteen (14) years in federal prison on February 25, 2013. The former business owner pleaded guilty to defrauding Medicare out of tens of millions of dollars from 2004 through 2011, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). He had previously been convicted of cocaine trafficking but decided to move to Medicare fraud supposedly because he thought it would be safer. In total the former mental health facility owner was indicted for defrauding the government of nearly $63 million. As part of his plea, he was ordered to repay $28 million.

Click here to read the press release from the DOJ.

Unnecessary Services, Illegal Kickbacks and Fake Mental Health Records.

The scheme, headed by the former business owner, involved three mental health clinics in Miami, Florida, and one in Hendersonville, North Carolina. All four facilities allegedly billed Medicare and Medicaid for services that were unnecessary or otherwise not provided. The clinics also paid bribes to local assisted living facilities (ALFs) in order to provide a steady stream of patients that were in no need of services. Employees of the clinic would then fabricate entire mental health records for the patients in order to bill the government programs. The former mental health facility owner and his employees allegedly thought that creating the medical records would aid them in avoiding detection by federal auditors, according to an article in the Miami Herald.

To read the Miami Herald article, click here.

Co-Conspirators Feeling the “Heat.”

Fifteen (15) of the former business owner’s co-conspirators have been charged for their alleged roles in the health care fraud scheme. Ten (10) defendants have already pleaded guilty, according to the DOJ.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. These departments help make up the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT) that works to stop Medicare fraud across the country.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late; Consult with a Health Law Attorney Experienced in Medicare and Medicaid Issues Now.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm represent healthcare providers in Medicare audits, ZPIC audits and RAC audits throughout Florida and across the U.S. They also represent physicians, medical groups, nursing homes, home health agencies, pharmacies, hospitals and other healthcare providers and institutions in Medicare and Medicaid investigations, audits, recovery actions and termination from the Medicare or Medicaid Program.

For more information please visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com or call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001.

Comments?

What do you think of the former business owner’s sentence? Do you think it is enough to deter other would-be criminals from scamming the government? Please leave any thoughtful comments below.

Sources:

Weaver, Jay. “Miami Businessman Who Stole Millions from Medicare Sentenced to 14 Year.” Miami Herald. (February 26, 2013). From: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/02/26/3254507/miami-businessman-who-pleaded.html

Department of Justice. “Owner of Mental Health Facilities Sentenced to 168 Months in Prison in Connection with $63 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme.” Department of Justice. (February 25, 2013). From: http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2013/February/13-crm-234.html

About the Author: Lance O. Leider is an attorney 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 Avenue, Altamonte Springs, Florida 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.
Copyright © 1996-2012 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:00:45-04:00June 1, 2018|Categories: Assisted Living Facilities, In the News, Medicare, Medicare Audit, Medicare Fraud, The Health Law Firm Blog|Tags: assisted living facility (ALF), defense attorney, defense lawyer, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), fabricating medical records, false billing, false medical records, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Florida health care attorney, Florida health care lawyer, Florida Medicare defense attorney, Florida Medicare defense lawyer, health care fraud, Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), health care fraud scheme, illegal kickbacks, kickbacks, medicare, medicare audit, Medicare beneficiaries, Medicare fraud, Medicare Fraud Strike Force, mental health facility, Office of Inspector General (OIG)|Comments Off

Number of Oxycodone-Related Deaths Down in Florida

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

It looks like Florida’s prescription drug legislation, the statewide prescription drug monitoring database and the prescription drug crackdowns by law enforcement may be working, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The FDLE states in its semi-annual report, oxycodone-related deaths statewide dropped between January and June of 2012, compared to the same period of time in 2011. A look at the national numbers shows that the number of people abusing prescription drugs is also down.

Florida and National Numbers.

In the first half of 2012, there were 759 oxycodone-related deaths in Florida, according to the Orlando Sentinel. That number is down from 1,058 during the same time period a year before. The Orlando Sentinel states that nationwide 7 million people abused prescription drugs in 2010. By 2011, that number had dropped to 6.1 million. Studies also show prescription drug use among young adults ages 18 to 25 is also on the decline. The Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation Director believes these numbers are down because young people are realizing these drugs are dangerous and can be deadly.

Click here to read the entire article from the Orlando Sentinel.

Florida Cracks Down on Prescription Drug Abuse.

Previously, Florida was known as a state where drug addicts and dealers could easily find a pill mill or go doctor shopping to get prescription drugs. In the past two years, Florida state leaders and law enforcement officials have stepped up regulations and made serious crackdowns on doctors, pharmacists and pharmacies.

In April 2013, a Lake Mary doctor was sentenced to 25 years in prison for trafficking prescription drugs. Click here to read that story. In December 2012, a fake prescription drug ring was busted in Osceola County. To read that story, click here. In June 2012, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Florida law enforcement announced operation “Pill Street Blues” targeting doctors and clinic owners across Florida. Click here to read more.

Health Care Professional Must Stay Ahead of Patients with Chronic Pain.

Even though the number of people abusing prescription drugs is down, state regulatory boards, private certification boards and federal agencies are not going to ease up. Many physicians in practice today are eschewing multi-disciplinary approaches to treating chronic pain in favor of monotherapies with narcotic medications.

These physicians do this at their own peril. In our practice we see many physicians in trouble with state medical boards and law enforcement officials because of their prescribing practices. If you treat patients with chronic pain it is imperative that you stay ahead of them. Click here to read a blog on legal tips for health care professionals to manage pain patients.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced with Investigations of Health Professionals and Providers.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm provide legal representation to physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, pain management doctors, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists and other health providers in Department of Health (DOH) investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigations, FBI investigations, Medicare investigations, Medicaid investigations and other types of investigations of health professionals and providers.

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Comments?

Do you think the new legislation, the state prescription drug monitoring database and the crackdowns by law enforcement are making a difference in the war against prescription drugs? Please leave any thoughtful comments below.

Sources:

Pavuk, Amy. “‘We Can Stop This Epidemic,’ CDC Boss Says at Rx-Drug Abuse Summit in Orlando.” Orlando Sentinel. (April 2, 2013). From: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-prescription-drug-abuse-summit-20130402,0,4693169.story

Pavuk, Amy. “Drug-Related Deaths Plunge in First Half of 2012.” Orlando Sentinel. (March 25, 2013). From: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-drug-deaths-down-20130325,0,6750345.story

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.

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:00:47-04:00June 1, 2018|Categories: DEA, Pain Management, Pharmaceutical Drugs, Pharmacy, The Health Law Firm Blog|Tags: accidental overdose, administrative hearings, administrative law attorney, administrative law lawyer, controlled substances, defense attorney, defense lawyer, Department of Health (DOH), doctor, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Florida health care lawyer, Florida health law attorney, Florida Office of the Attorney General (AG), Florida prescription drug abuse, Florida prescription drug crackdown, legal defense for doctors, legal defense for physicians, legal representation for doctors, legal representation for physicians, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU), Medical negligence, opioid misuse, opioid use, oxycodone, pain management, pain pills, pharmacists, physician, physicians, pill mill, pill mill laws, prescription drug trafficking, prescription pain pill, prescriptions|3 Comments

Florida Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Florida Hospital Data Theft

By Lance O. Leider, J.D., The Health Law Firm

A Davenport, Florida, man was sentenced to four years in prison for paying off two Florida Hospital employees to illegally access patient records, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). A judge sentenced Sergie Kusyakov on April 10, 2013. He was charged with conspiracy and wrongful disclosure of individual identifiable health information.

Click here to read the press release from the DOJ.

Ex-Employees Sold Patient Information to a Co-Conspirator.

Mr. Kusyakov’s sentence stems from a privacy breach at Florida Hospital back in October 2011. The breach involved thousands of patient records that were illegally accessed between 2009 and 2011. Apparently Mr. Kusyakov was paying hospital employee Dale Munroe and his wife to illegally access thousands of records of patients treated at multiple Florida Hospital locations. Mr. Munroe was sentenced in January 2013. Click here to read a previous blog on that story.

Mr. Munroe was allegedly fired in July 2011, after it was learned he accessed the records of a doctor fatally shot in a parking garage. Investigators then found that Mr. Munroe had accessed more than 700,000 patient records, most of whom had been involved in vehicle accidents. Mr. Munroe then sold the records to Mr. Kusyakov, who was associated with two chiropractic clinics. The information was then used to solicit the patients for lawyers and chiropractors. After Mr. Munroe was fired, his wife began stealing patient information. She will be sentenced in July.

HIPAA Privacy Complaints Do Result in Action.

The act of accessing patient records is a direct violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Many individuals whose privacy is breached fail to realize how effective a HIPAA Privacy Complaint can be. These complaints, which can be filed online to the Office of Civil Rights (OCR), a federal agency, are fully investigated. Stiff civil fines and even criminal prosecutions may result. In serious cases, the FBI investigates them.

Since the time period is short for filing these (180 days), the first step you should take, if your medical privacy is breached, is to file a HIPAA Privacy Complaint with the OCR. Also file a complaint with the hospital or health care provider and with the state agency that licenses the health care provider.

Contact Health Attorneys Experienced in the Confidentiality of Medical Records.

Our attorneys provide advice and legal opinions on confidentiality of medical records and medical information, including HIPAA Privacy Regulation, and are available to testify as expert witnesses on these issues.

To contact The Health Law Firm please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Comments?

What do you think of Mr. Kusyakov’s sentence? Please leave any thoughtful comments below.

Sources:

Pavuk, Amy. “Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Florida Hospital Theft.” Orlando Sentinel. (April 11, 2013). From: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-florida-hospital-patient-data-theft-20130410,0,3261544.story

Department of Justice. “Davenport Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison of Theft of Patient Information.” Department of Justice. (April 10, 2013). From: http://www.justice.gov/usao/flm/press/2013/apr/20130410_Kusyakov.html

About the Author: Lance O. Leider is an attorney 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 Avenue, Altamonte Springs, Florida 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.

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:00:47-04:00June 1, 2018|Categories: Health Care Industry, HIPAA, In the Know, In the News, The Health Law Firm Blog|Tags: audit attorneys, confidentiality of medical records, defense attorney, defense lawyer, Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), health care attorney, health care audits, health care lawyer, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), HIPAA audits, HIPAA compliance, HIPAA Privacy Complaint, HIPAA Privacy Regulation, legal representation, medical records, patient records, privacy breach|Comments Off

Nation Rx Drug Abuse Summit Held in Central Florida-Leaders Share Struggles and Triumphs in “War Against Prescription Drugs”

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

From April 2 through April 4, 2013, the country’s leading experts on the prescription drug epidemic met in Central Florida for the National Rx Drug Abuse Summit, according to the Orlando Sentinel. National leaders including the White House drug czar, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner and Florida’s Attorney General (AG) shared ongoing challenges and strides each department has made in its fight against prescription drugs.

Good News in the War Against Prescription Drugs.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) stated in its semi-annual report that oxycodone-related deaths statewide dropped between January and June of 2012, compared to the same period of time in 2011. In the first half of 2012, there were 759 oxycodone-related deaths in Florida. That number is down from 1,058 during the same time period a year before.

A look at the national numbers shows that the number of people abusing prescription drugs is down. According to the White House drug czar, seven million people abused prescription drugs in 2010. By 2011, that number had dropped to 6.1 million. Studies also show prescription drug use among young adults ages 18 to 25 is also on the decline. To read the article from the Orlando Sentinel, click here.

Summit Focused on Need for More State Prescriptions Drug Monitoring Programs.

During the summit leaders spoke of the need to help state prescription drug monitoring programs succeed.

Just in March 2013, three states made moves to tighten monitoring and prescribing of controlled substances. Legislators in California, Pennsylvania and Kentucky are contemplating new regulations regarding the use of prescription drug monitoring programs. What this means is that whatever state you may be in, you should be aware that lawmakers are implementing similar programs and laws in their governments. To learn more, click here.

Drug Monitoring Programs Can Be Used as a Prosecution Tool.

Health professionals should take note, these prescription drug monitoring programs can, and will be, used as a prosecution tool. Enforcement of drug laws and prescribing regulations has been ever increasing in recent years. The implementation of these databases and corresponding regulations are going to provide more tools for law enforcement and state medical boards to crack down on physicians. In order to avoid trouble it is crucial that you take time to review your state’s prescribing and record keeping laws with an experienced health care attorney.

From experience, we have seen the database in Florida used mostly as a tool for prosecution of pain management physicians and pharmacists. Even in cases where the pharmacist has been the one to notify the authorities of suspected forged prescriptions and where the pharmacist has cooperated in prosecuting the criminals, I have seen this database cited as evidence against him or her. I do not believe this is what the legislation intended. Physicians and pharmacists should consider using whatever database is implemented in their respective states, or otherwise remaining vigilant to avoid being labeled an overprescriber.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced with Investigations of Health Professionals and Providers.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm provide legal representation to physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, pain management doctors, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists and other health providers in Department of Health (DOH) investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigations, FBI investigations, Medicare investigations, Medicaid investigations and other types of investigations of health professionals and providers.

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Comments?

Does the state where you are located have a prescription drug monitoring program? What do you think of these programs? Are they necessary? Please leave any thoughtful comments below.

Sources:

Pavuk, Amy. “‘We Can Stop This Epidemic,’ CDC Boss Says at Rx-Drug Abuse Summit in Orlando.” Orlando Sentinel. (April 2, 2013). From: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-prescription-drug-abuse-summit-20130402,0,4693169.story

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.
Copyright © 1996-2012 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:01:39-04:00May 15, 2018|Categories: Pharmacist, Pharmacy, Pharmacy Law, Trafficking Prescription Painkillers|Tags: accidental overdose, administrative hearings, administrative law attorney, administrative law lawyer, controlled substances, defense attorney, defense lawyer, Department of Health (DOH), doctor, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Florida health care lawyer, Florida health law attorney, Florida Office of the Attorney General (AG), Florida prescription drug abuse, Florida prescription drug crackdown, legal defense for doctors, legal defense for physicians, legal representation for doctors, legal representation for physicians, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU), Medical negligence, opioid misuse, opioid use, oxycodone, pain management, pain pills, pharmacists, physician, physicians, pill mill, pill mill laws, prescription drug trafficking, prescription pain pill, prescriptions|Comments Off

Crackdown in the Supply of Prescription Medications Drive Floridians to Heroin

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

For the past three years, Florida lawmakers and officials have waged war against prescription drug abuse. At the peak of the pill abuse epidemic, seven people a day reportedly died of a prescription drug overdose in Florida. As the Sunshine State became known as painkiller capital of America, officials worked quickly to enact legislation against prescription drugs, develop and monitor the statewide prescription drug monitoring database, and crackdown on prescription drug abusers and pill mills. Flash forward to summer 2013, prescription pills are harder to come by and more expensive, therefore making them less appealing to addicts. However, that does not mean the war is over. Now addicts are finding their replacement fix in heroin, according to the Miami Herald.

Click here to read the entire article from The Miami Herald.

Oxycodone-Related Deaths Down, While Heroin Numbers Rise in Florida.

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s (FDLE) semi-annual report, oxycodone-related deaths dropped statewide between January and June of 2012, compared to the same period of time in 2011. I previously wrote a blog on the decline of oxycodone-related deaths in Florida. To read that blog, click here.

Now that oxycodone-related deaths are down, heroin numbers are on the rise. According to the Florida Medical Examiners Commission, from July 2010 to June 2011, there were 45 heroin-related deaths statewide. From July 2011 to June 2012, the number jumped to 77 heroin-related deaths. The FDLE is seeing the same trend. In the first three months of 2013, heroin-related charges totaled 948 and in the same three months in 2012, that number was 772.

Florida Officials Try to Fight Heroin.

Lawmakers took dramatic actions to reduce the supply of prescription drugs on the streets. According to the Miami Herald, lawmakers are now trying to fight heroin before it takes off.

Broward County’s substance abuse commission and the Sanford-Brown Institute hosted a workshop to share the news about the growing heroin trend. The commission’s board of governors has formed a task force to put together an anti-heroin campaign. The group is also publicizing the 911 Good Samaritan Act. This Act protects callers from prosecution for possessing or ingesting low-level controlled substances under some circumstances.

The Ultimate Results of Such Crackdowns.

The war on prescription drug abuse took away the supply, but not the demand. Since the crackdown we have seen the largest legitimate pharmacy chains in the state and nation not allowed to fill prescriptions for painkillers. Click here to read a blog on a Walgreens distribution center that was served with an immediate suspension order from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). To read a blog on the DEA pulling the controlled substance licenses from two Central Florida CVS pharmacies.

This has left some patients in dire straits. They are suffering because they cannot locate a pharmacy to fill their legitimate pain medicine prescriptions. These include injured military veterans, patients who are 100% disabled and on disability or social security, patients injured in automobile accidents and job-related accidents (whose medications are paid for by insurance, if they can find a pharmacy to fill it) and others with real chronic pain issues.

Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys.

The Health Law Firm routinely represents pharmacists, pharmacies, physicians, nurses and other health providers in investigations, regulatory matters, licensing issues, litigation, inspections and audits involving the DEA, Department of Health (DOH) and other law enforcement agencies. Its attorneys include those who are board certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law as well as licensed health professionals who are also attorneys.

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Comments?

What do you think about the increase in heroin use? Is one drug more dangerous than another? Please leave any thoughtful comments below.

Sources:

Burch, Audra. “As Pill Mills Fade Away, Heroin Fills the Void.” The Miami Herald. (May 11, 2013). From: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/05/11/3392908/as-prescription-pills-fade-heroin.html

Gillen, Michele. “Dangerous Drug Creating New Addicts.” WBFS. (May 22, 2013). From: http://miami.cbslocal.com/2013/05/22/dangerous-drug-creating-new-addicts/

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.
Copyright © 1996-2012 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:01:39-04:00May 15, 2018|Categories: Pain Management, Pharmacist, Pharmacy, Trafficking Prescription Painkillers|Tags: controlled substances, defense attorney, defense lawyer, Department of Health (DOH), doctor, drug addiction, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Florida drug addiction, Florida health care lawyer, Florida health law attorney, Florida Office of the Attorney General (AG), florida pill mills, Florida prescription drug abuse, Florida prescription drug crackdown, heroin, legal defense for doctors, legal defense for physicians, legal representation for doctors, legal representation for physicians, opioid misuse, opioid use, oxycodone, pain management, pain pills, pharmacists, physician, physicians, pill mill bust, pill mill laws, pill mills, prescription drug crackdown, prescription drug trafficking, prescription drugs, prescription pain pill, prescription pills, prescriptions, the health law firm|1 Comment

Detroit Nurse Will Spend Time Behind Bars for Signing False Medicare Claims

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

A Detroit-area registered nurse was sentenced on November 19, 2012, to 30 months in federal prison for his alleged part in a nearly $13.8 million Medicare fraud scheme. According to a Department of Justice (DOJ) press release, he will serve probation after being released from prison. He was also ordered to pay more than $450,000 in restitution, together with his co-defendants.

Click here to read the entire press release from the DOJ.

Nurse Paid Handsomely for Signing False Claims.

According to the nurse’s plea agreement, from December 2008 through September 2011, he was paid to sign medical records for a home health care agency that billed Medicare for services that were allegedly never rendered. The man reportedly admitted to not seeing or treating the Medicare beneficiaries for whom he signed medical documentation. He also admitted to knowing that the documents he signed were being used for false claims. According to an article from Health Exec News, the man was paid around $150 for each fake file that he signed.

To read the article from Health Exec News, click here.

Case Investigated by Medicare Fraud Strike Force.

Nine alleged co-defendants in this case have pleaded guilty and are waiting to be sentenced, while three others are fugitives and six more are awaiting trial, according to the DOJ. In total, the home health agency was paid close to $13.8 million by Medicare.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in Representing Nurses.

The Health Law Firm’s attorneys routinely represent nurses in Department of Health (DOH) investigations, Department of Justice (DOJ) investigations, in appearances before the Board of Nursing in licensing matters and in many other legal matters. We represent nurses across the U.S., and throughout Florida.

To contact The Health Law Firm please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Comments?

Do you think the registered nurse received a sentence that was too harsh? Please leave any thoughtful comments below.

Sources:

Health Exec News. “Medicare Fraud Scheme: Nurse Gets Jail Time for Signing False Claims.” Health Exec News. (November 23, 2012). From: http://healthexecnews.com/nurse-medicare-fraud-scheme

Department of Justice. “Detroit-Area Nurse Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Role in $13.8 Million Home Health Care Fraud Scheme.” Department of Justice. (November 19, 2012). From: http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2012/November/12-crm-1389.html

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.

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:01:56-04:00May 15, 2018|Categories: Medicare Fraud, Nurse License|Tags: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), defense attorney, defense lawyer, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), fraud defense, fraud prevention, fraud schemes, home health care fraud, legal representation, medicare, medicare audit, Medicare false claims, Medicare fraud, nurse, Office of Inspector General (OIG), registered nurse|Comments Off