A Macon business owner has pled guilty to conspiracy to obstruct justice, amid a federal civil probe into fraudulent healthcare billing. Brenda Hicks, who owns Middle Georgia Family Rehab, admitted to instructing employees to falsify documents, following a Civil Investigative Demand for patient records.
Hicks, 58, may face up to two decades behind bars, along with a $250,000 fine, and supervised release for three years upon conclusion of her prison term, the U.S. Attorney's Office reported on June 5. Moreover, she has agreed to make restitution payments to various healthcare providers, including TRICARE and Medicare, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office press release.
The investigation into Hicks' activities revealed that after receiving a request for records on October 7, 2019, she directed two of her employees to fabricate documentation. The U.S. Attorney's Office, as quoted in the press release, emphasized the gravity of such actions: "Anyone who attempts to alter or destroy documents requested as part of a federal investigation, will face federal penalties for breaking the law." This comment underlines the serious nature of the offence and the government's commitment to uphold the law.
One of Hicks' employees resigned over concerns regarding the legality of their tasks. The other complied, adjusting and appending missing notes and signatures as per Hicks' instructions. The altered records were submitted to the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office on December 2, 2019, the original documents stated by the U.S. Department of Justice. Hicks' plea indicates her admission to the deliberate falsification of records intended for use in a civil action.
Investigators from various federal agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Department of Health and Human Services, brought the case to light. Elizabeth Howard, Assistant U.S. Attorney, is prosecuting, drawing on previous efforts by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Dietrick. Hicks is set to receive her sentence on September 5.
