$174 M Found in Telemedicine Fraud, Cyberattack Hits Maryland
One Florida pharmacy owner has been convicted of massive telemedicine fraud, a cyberattack takes down Maryland Department of Health, and big research awards are coming for telehealth
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By - The pandemic telehealth boom will be supported by $23 million of research money from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, but in Florida, the technology is showing vulnerability to fraud and abuse.
Meanwhile, in Maryland, a cybersecurity attack took down the Department of Health website and left officials scrambling to assess the possible damage to crucial resources. Cybersecurity is also on the minds of HHS officials as they launch a website dedicated to their 405(d) task force. The new site will house resources and guidance for cybersecurity hygiene and best practices.
At the federal level, the Department of Veterans Affairs has overhauled its EHR staff and schedule in reaction to a strategic review of processes. And, a federal judge out of Louisiana has issued a temporary nationwide halt to vaccine mandates for healthcare workers.
Pharmacy Owner Convicted of Major Fraud
A pharmacist practicing in Florida was convicted of 22 counts of mail fraud this past week after he and a group of co-conspirators filed $174 million worth of fraudulent prescription drug claims. The men who are set for sentencing next year used a telemarketing platform to generate the phony scripts and then passed them off to unwitting doctors who approved them.
In a press release Joseph E. Carrico, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Knoxville Field Office, affirmed “The guilty verdict was a result of a multi-agency investigation into a complex healthcare fraud scheme that required substantial investigative resources. Along with its law enforcement partners, the FBI remains committed to investigating these crimes and prosecute all those that are intent in defrauding the American public.” READ MORE.
PCORI Awards $23 Million for Telehealth
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Board of Governors is granting $23 million to telehealth research. Funds will support several studies with diverse goals that further the understanding of telehealth solutions for smoking cessation, pain relief, and mental health solutions. PCORI also approved a three-year $1.8 billion dollar funding plan that will support other healthcare research. READ MORE.
Department of Veterans Affairs Enhances HER Modernization
The Department of Veterans Affairs is altering its EHR strategies to address challenges from the past year. VA officials hope to finally get EHRs right by adding new executive roles, strengthening the Office of the Functional Champion, and revising the rollout schedule.
“VA, in coordination with our partners, the Department of Defense and EHR vendor Cerner, will continue to update and refine the EHR implementation process to ensure it delivers the excellence Veterans expect and deserve from VA.” VA Deputy Secretary Donald M. Remy said in a press release. READ MORE.
Cyberattack Hits Maryland Department of Health
The Maryland Department of Health was forced to reroute its homepage after a cyberattack occurred over the weekend. Employees at the department shut down the site and examined crucial data to see if any information had been compromised. By Monday many of the site's resources were still unavailable. READ MORE.
HHS Launches Cybersecurity Website
The Department of Health and Human Safety has launched a website to host the resources of its 405(d) program and task force. 405(d) focuses on aligning cybersecurity in the healthcare industry by building expert knowledge and sharing it with the public. Going forward, the website will house all resources and information created by the 405(d) task force. READ MORE.
Vaccine Mandate Blocked by Federal Court
A Louisiana District Court Judge has blocked the federal vaccine mandate for healthcare workers. This decision will halt the implementation of the mandate in all states where a federal judge has not already halted implementation. Terry Doughty, the judge presiding, implied that President Biden had overreached his power by instituting a mandate without consulting congress. READ MORE.
