When you embarked on a career in healthcare, you begin the journey to improve the lives and outcomes of the people you treat. You care about human beings, and you want to help.
When you left medical school and entered a hospital or private practice, you began to see the business side of the field.
Unfortunately, sometimes, even the smallest mistake can result in state and federal charges.
In this post, we will discuss the potential penalties for Medicaid fraud conviction.
Federal and state charges
Penalties range by the level of the charge, and charges can exist at both the state and federal level. As with all criminal charges, the potential consequences vary with the specific charge levied.
For example, if found in violation of the False Claims Act, potential penalties include criminal and civil fines. This ranges from several thousand dollars to upwards of $250,000 and possible incarceration for up to five years.
If convicted, you could face both.
New York
Some states, like New York, also have state laws that carry additional penalties. For some laws, like the Anti-Kickback Law, you can face penalties at both the state and federal level.
The state of New York can assess fines of up to $10,000 and impose confinement in prison for up to a year, or both.
The takeaway
New Yorkers facing charges are still presumed innocent and can begin to build a personalized defense strategy.
After all, in these high-pressure New York City healthcare environments, mistakes happen, including at a prosecutor’s office. Prosecutors sometimes overcharge or charge the wrong people.
You are a unique human being, and an adept criminal defense strategy can use your unique facts. You do not have to make any statements when facing charges without an attorney present.