Austin Texas Legal Issues Blog

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has named a former Texas health care company owner as one of its “most wanted.” The agency indicted the business owner on various criminal charges related to health care fraud, including conspiracy to pay kickbacks and money laundering.

What is the OIG’s role? The OIG is a government agency that investigates allegations of health care fraud. The agency has four goals: fight fraud and abuse, promote quality and safety, secure the future of health services and advance excellence and innovation within the field.

The Texas Medical Board (TMB) recently suspended the medical license of a family and occupational doctor. The TMB moved forward with the suspension based on allegations of improper prescriptions of drugs and sexual assault of two patients. The TMB stated at this time, the physician's suspension is listed as "temporary."

A registerd nurse that has cared for patients at Christus Mother Frances Hospital - Tyler and at Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital in Tyler faces criminal charges. He is accused of intentionally introducing air into the patients' circulatory systems. This can lead to an air embolism and cause a stroke.

The RN is allegedly responsible for the death of one patient and a sudden decline from stable health into a vegetative state of two other patients.

SightLine Health LLC, a Texas radiotherapy center, recently took steps to end an ongoing investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ was looking into allegations that the practice violated the Anti-Kickback Statute when it offered financial incentives to other medical practitioners in exchange for patient referrals.

In an effort to end the investigation, SightLine Health agreed to a settlement with the government. The settlement agreement includes a payment to the DOJ of $11.5 million and involvement in a Corporate Integrity Agreement. The agreement will exist between SightLine and the HHS-OIG. It involves SightLine, along with its parent company and any physician investors, be subject to internal and external monitoring. The agreement is set to last for five years and is customary after a government healthcare investigation of this nature.