WILMINGTON, DEL. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Delaware), published as received.
WILMINGTON, Del. – Acting U.S. Attorney Dylan J. Steinberg announced a civil settlement with Sandra Jackson, a former Delaware nurse practitioner who now resides in Florida, resolving allegations that she violated the False Claims Act by ordering medically unnecessary genetic testing and durable medical equipment for Medicare beneficiaries residing in Delaware. As a result of Jackson’s orders, Medicare paid approximately $520,000 for medically unnecessary testing and medical equipment.
Between September 2018 and April 2019, Jackson digitally signed hundreds of orders for medically unnecessary genetic testing and durable medical equipment for Delaware residents who she never physically examined and with whom she had no pre-existing provider-patient relationship. The orders Jackson signed contained information that was pre-populated by others. She signed the orders within seconds of opening them. Jackson did not provide any follow-up care to the beneficiaries for whom she ordered testing and equipment.
“Health care providers who authorize medically unnecessary testing and equipment waste taxpayer dollars,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “This office will continue to aggressively pursue providers whose medical decisions are guided by personal profit instead of individual patient care.”
“Providers that participate in the federal health care system are required to obey the laws and regulations meant to protect the integrity of these programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). "HHS-OIG remains committed to promoting compliance in HHS programs and investigating alleged misconduct that target them."
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Claudia L. Pare and Affirmative Civil Enforcement Auditor David Cheung.
The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates its emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800 HHS TIPS (800-447-8477).
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. A copy of the settlement agreement and agreed-upon statement of facts are attached to this press release.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
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