Las Vegas mental health worker sentenced for Medicaid fraud

November 4, 2013

Las Vegas, NV – Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto announced that Garren Morris, 43, of Las Vegas, was sentenced today in a Medicaid fraud case involving the failure to maintain adequate records to support Medicaid claims.

“The continued investigation and prosecution of these types of cases is needed to send a message to our community that fraud against the Medicaid system will not be tolerated,” said Masto. “We need to ensure that Medicaid recipients who are in need of these services are receiving them and money being paid by Medicaid is going to services that are actually being provided.”

Morris was sentenced for one gross misdemeanor offense of intentional failure to maintain adequate records by District Court Judge Kathleen Delaney. Delaney sentenced Morris to 150 days, suspended, performance of 100 hours of community service and payment of $23,946 in restitution, penalties, and costs. Delaney also sentenced Morris to a period of probation not to exceed two years.

The case began after information was obtained that Morris had submitted progress notes and time and attendance documents to a behavioral health company, Unity Family Services, for services allegedly provided to Medicaid recipients. The investigation found that the progress notes and subsequent Medicaid claims were submitted for time periods where Medicaid recipients were incarcerated at Clark County Detention Center and therefore unable to receive behavioral health services. Furthermore, the investigation showed that Morris did not visit nor call the Medicaid recipients during times or for time periods that Morris claimed he had provided the behavioral health services.

The fraud occurred from February 2011 and July 2012. Persons convicted of Medicaid fraud may also be administratively excluded from future Medicaid and Medicare participation.

The case was investigated and prosecuted by the Nevada Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unity (MFCU), which 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. 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, Senior Deputy Attorney General.

Source: "Attorney General Masto Announces Sentencing of Las Vegas Behavioral Health Worker," news released of the Nevada Attorney General's Office, October 7, 2013.