February 27, 2018
Las Vegas, NV – Nevada Attorney General Adam Paul Laxalt announced that John Harris, 34, of Las Vegas, was sentenced today in a Medicaid fraud case involving the failure to maintain proper documentation for services provided to Medicaid recipients.
Harris was sentenced for a gross misdemeanor offense of Intentional Failure to Maintain Adequate Records by District Court Judge Eric Johnson. Judge Johnson sentenced Harris to 364 days incarceration, suspended, a $1,000.00 fine or he can do community service in lieu of the fine, and payment of $1,594.84 in restitution. Harris was placed on 3 years probation. The fraud occurred between September 2016 and November 2016.
“These convictions ensure that Medicaid recipients who receive much needed mental health services are actually getting those services as billed to Nevada Medicaid,” said Laxalt.
The investigation began after the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) received information that Harris was not providing services to Medicaid recipients. The investigation revealed that Harris did knowingly create fictitious documentation, including progress notes, for services allegedly provided to Medicaid recipients. Harris then submitted the false documentation to his employer, Nevada Behavioral Solutions. The documentation prepared by Harris, and used to substantiate Medicaid claims, was false as many of Harris’s records did not note the actual dates, times or services provided to Medicaid recipients.
The MFCU investigates and prosecutes financial fraud by those providing healthcare services or goods to Medicaid patients. The MFCU also investigates and prosecutes instances of elder abuse or neglect. Persons convicted of Medicaid fraud may also be administratively excluded from future Medicaid and Medicare participation. Anyone wishing to report suspicions regarding any of these concerns may contact the MFCU at 702-486-3420 or 775-684-1100.
The case was prosecuted by Andrew Schulke, Supervising Senior Deputy Attorney General.
HARRIS, JOHN
(Photo courtesy of the
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)
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