The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports today that a former clerk for the Missouri-based company that acquired Health Resources of Arkansas has pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy.
Vicki Chisam, 66, was the lowest-ranking of three former Preferred Family Healthcare workers charged by Arkansas State Attorney General Leslie Rutledge’s office in a scheme that authorities say helped facilitate $3 million in improper billings for the non-profit, according to the Democrat-Gazette’s article.
Chisam worked for Health Resources of Arkansas, an area mental health center, when it was acquired by Preferred Family Healthcare in 2014.
Chisam was initially charged with felony Medicaid fraud. Rutledge’s office told the paper an agreement to the lesser felony of participating in a conspiracy was signed Monday and then presented in Independence County Circuit Court. The State AG’s office recommended a three-year suspended prison sentence, citing cooperation from Chisam.
To read the article by Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reporter Eric Besson, click here.
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