TALLAHASSEE — A settlement of more than $5 million has been reached between the state of Florida and a former hospital chain accused of Florida Medicaid fraud, according to the state Attorney General's Office.
The settlement resolves claims by the Florida Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit that Charlotte Regional and Peace River Medical Center, two HMA hospitals, billed Florida Medicaid for care by physicians who received compensation in exchange for patient referrals, the Florida Attorney General's Office said,
According to Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi's office, Charlotte Regional gave free office space, staff and money to physicians in order to get patient referrals. Free rent and office perks were also given by HMA to another local physician, Bondi's office said.
HMA's actions violated the federal False Claims Act, according to the Attorney General's Office.