Health Services Management Inc., which owns Huntsville Health Care Center, has paid the United States $5 million to resolve claims that the company billed Medicare and Medicaid programs for services that were never provided. An investigation concluded that Huntsville Health Care Center billed for services that were not provided or services that were considered worthless and substandard. The claims for payment to Medicare and Medicaid for those services were deemed to be fraudulent and submitted in violation of federal and state law. The investigation followed a lawsuit filed by a whistle blower at Huntsville Health Care Center. She claimed that during her employment, she witness patient abuse and neglect, inadequate care, physical and verbal abuse and denial of basic services, such as providing food and water. “We take seriously the care of our most vulnerable citizens, the elderly and inform,” acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez said. “When providers accept federal funds for reimbursement, they have a duty and responsibility to provide the best care possible to the patient, especially when those patients are elderly and at times incapacitated. The United State’s Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas will aggressively hold those accountable who fail to provide the care that is expected when the failure to do so results in harm to the patients and treasury.” “It’s disturbing when a nursing home company accepts Medicare and Medicaid money to care for vulnerable nursing home residents and in return provides substandard care, as alleged in this case,” said Special Agent in Charge, C.J. Porter, of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “We will continue to hold nursing homes accountable to give residents the quality health services, and living conditions, taxpayers pay them to provide.” According to the Huntsville Health Care Center website, “our team of professionals have the real-world experience and resources to help your loved ones regain their highest level of function.” As a part of the settlement, HSM also agreed to enter into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Services Office of Inspector General. Health Services Management Inc. is based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and owns and operates nursing home throughout Texas and the United States. Sources: www.kbtx.com/content/news/Huntsville-nursing-home-pays-millions-to-settle-claims-of-poor-quality-of-care--451688493.html https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/huntsville-nursing-home-pays-united-states-and-state-texas-5-million-settle-claims
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