Experience
Negotiation of Medicaid Enrollment and Payment Issues
Defense of Academic Medical Center in False Claims Act (FCA) Lawsuit
Representation of an academic medical center in a False Claims Act qui tam lawsuit alleging improper billing practices. The client was operating under a CIA at the time of the representation. The matter was resolved favorably for our client after extensive discovery, with no extension of the length of the CIA and no press release issued by the federal government.
Settlement of a Hospital OIG Voluntary Disclosure Matter
Evolving and complex legislation in the health care arena can provide a myriad of challenges for providers, and overcoming the challenges requires effective and efficient legal counsel. We represented an Ohio hospital that disclosed information about improper financial relationships with referring physicians in response to claims of violating the False Claims Act, the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Statute. Our client had a relationship with two physicians – a joint venture with a pain management physician and also an arrangement where our client purchased intraocular lenses at an inflated price from an ophthalmologist. Both relationships were alleged to have violated statutory requirements. We represented the client in negotiating a settlement with the Department of Justice, the Office of the Inspector General and the Ohio Attorney General (collectively “Government”). During the negotiations, our client disclosed that some of their arrangements with physicians for violated the federal Anti-Kickback Statute because they did not meet the requirements of the relevant safe harbors. Criminal charges against our client were declined, and we worked to address the civil and administrative issues to provide a global resolution. We entered into negotiations with the Government and ultimately settled for an amount that was agreeable to our client.
General Representation of a Home Health Care Company
Dinsmore represents a home healthcare company in a variety of matters, including general business, employment law, regulatory compliance and HIPAA-related issues. The firm has also advised this client through a Medicaid audit and a successful overpayment appeal that significantly reduced the home health company’s Medicaid repayment obligation. This client benefited from the firm’s extensive regulatory experience and knowledge of the healthcare industry.
Negotiation of Settlement in Misbranding Law Matter
We represented a physician who had been designated as a “target” of a federal grand jury investigation focusing on FDA allegations of misbranding. The client along with other oncologists potentially faced numerous felony charges. We successfully defended the physician, resulting in a plea agreement to a single misdemeanor, favorable resolution of all civil matters including false claims act violations and no debarment of physician.
National Health Care Litigation Counsel for Large Multi-State Provider
Serve as national litigation counsel to a large, multi-state provider, overseeing litigation and serving as lead counsel nationwide. By taking consistent positions on discovery and other issues in every case, clients are better positioned to avoid litigation potholes and arrive at more favorable outcomes.
State Grand Jury Investigation
We represented a physician who had been designated as a “target” of a state grand jury investigation focusing on alleged healthcare fraud and false statements violations. After completion of an internal investigation and meetings with and presentations to the local prosecuting attorney, the investigation against our client was closed with no criminal charges filed and all civil and administrative matters resolved favorably to the client.
Federal Grand Jury Investigation
We represented a physician who had been designated as a “target” of a federal grand jury investigation focusing on alleged anti-kickback violations. After completion of an internal investigation and meetings with and presentations to United States Department of Justice and United States Department of Health and Human Services officials, the investigation against our client was closed with no criminal charges filed.
False Claims Allegations Against Client Dismissed
Representation of an academic medical center in a False Claims Act (FCA) lawsuit involving allegations that the hospital lacked documentation to support its cost reports for GME expenses. The government declined intervention and the FCA claims were ultimately dismissed with prejudice without any payment.
Defense of National Physician Practice in False Claims Act (FCA) Lawsuit
Representation of a national physician practice in a False Claims Act lawsuit involving emergency department billing practices. The government declined intervention and the relator quickly abandoned prosecution of the case.
Represents Clients with Security Breaches
Representation of clients over 100 security breaches, including clients in the health care, financial and other industries, including state data breach laws.
FHA/HUD Financing Under the LEAN Program
Represented O’Neill Management and its affiliates in the FHA/HUD LEAN Program financing in the amount of $11,600,000 for a skilled nursing facility located in North Olmstead, Ohio.
Represented Home Health Agency During Health Care Fraud Investigation
Representation of a Kentucky home health agency in a dual investigation by the Eastern District of Kentucky U.S. Attorney’s Office and Kentucky Medicaid into alleged improper mail order supply business, operating without a Certificate of Need and other claims. The investigation was closed without either agency taking any adverse action against the client.
Conducts Internal Investigations Relating to Potential Health Care Fraud and Business Conduct for Clients
Conducts internal investigations relating to potential health care fraud and other business conduct for clients across the health care spectrum, including a large health insurer, national long-term care and other providers, hospitals, physician practices, ambulance providers, therapy services providers, community mental health providers, DME suppliers, pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, laboratories, and others.
Representation of Health Care Clients in Alleged HIPAA Violation Investigations
Representation of numerous health care clients in OCR investigations relating to alleged HIPAA violations. The vast majority of these investigations have resulted in OCR deciding either: 1) no breach or violation occurred or 2) to close its investigation after the client’s response and documentation were provided.
Representation of Client in State Medicaid Fraud Investigation
Representation of an ambulance supplier in state Medicaid audit/investigation into allegedly medically unnecessary transports and other claims. Client ultimately received a minimal payback request.
FHA/HUD Financing Under the LEAN Program
Represented Meadow Wind Associates, L.P. in the FHA/HUD LEAN Program financing in the amount of $1,575,000 for a skilled nursing facility located in Massillon, Ohio.
Health Care Lending
Represented FirstMerit Bank, N.A. in a $5,775,000 financing of skilled nursing facilities located in Painesville, Ohio.
Certificate of Need Appeal
Health Care Lending
Represented Kendal of Granville in the purchase of $22,010,000 of revenue Refunding and Improvements Bonds, $17,000,000 of construction/mini-perm loan, a $6,500,000 draw loan, a $2,500,000 revolving line of credit and interest rate derivative SWAPs for a skilled nursing and independent care facility located in Granville, Ohio.
Health Care Lending
Represented a nursing care provider in multiple financing projects, including $8,000,000 construction financing of a skilled nursing facility located in Beavercreek, Ohio and $8,630,000 construction financing of a skilled nursing facility located in Colerain, Ohio.
Property Sale
Medical Negligence Involving a Stenting Procedure
Dispute Over Physician Compensation
HUD Transfer of Physical Assets Transactions
Represented NCJC Housing & Development Foundation in the negotiation and closing of the Transfer of Physical Assets of Jaycee Manor Apartments, a multifamily apartment complex located in Martin’s Ferry, Ohio.
Health Insurance Subrogation Litigation
Development of Urgent Care Business
Physician Peer Review Process
Acquisition of Physician Practices by a Regional Health Care System
Stacey has experience representing buyers and sellers in these types of transactions. Most recently Dinsmore represented a regional health system acquiring two specialty physician practices. We advised the client through all aspects of the transaction, including drafting and negotiating the asset purchase agreement, various management agreements, clinical services agreements, physician employment agreements, and affiliated real estate transactions.
FHA/HUD Financing Under the LEAN Program
Represented a nursing care provider in the FHA/HUD LEAN Program financing in the amount of $7,464,000 for a skilled nursing facility located in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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