Beehive State News

On May 4, 2023, Utah Attorney General Sean D. Reyes is proud to announce that Utah’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) received the Inspector General’s Award for Excellence in Fighting Fraud, Waste, and Abuse. The award reflects a strong partnership with the Utah Attorney General’s Office, Health and Human Services, and the Office of Inspector General, as well as success in combatting Medicaid fraud, patient abuse, and neglect. General Reyes congratulates everyone in the MFCU division.  

In 2022, Utah MFCU obtained 18 indictments, 23 convictions, and total recoveries of more than $1.5 million, an exceptional case outcome for a Unit staff of 16. Utah MFCU investigates fraud and cases of patient abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. In 2022, fraud cases involved 27 types of providers. Through MFCU’s authority to investigate noninstitutional abuse and neglect cases, five investigations have been conducted involving hospice nurses, personal care attendants, and a home health agency.

“Through dedication, determination, and very hard work, our office has produced impressive results –especially for a staff of 16,” MCFU Director Kaye Lynn Wootton said. “I am extremely proud of every one of my coworkers. We work well independently and as a team. We’re dedicated to protecting both vulnerable victims and taxpayers. We’ve come a long way, and we’re all committed to continuing this excellent work.” 

Utah MFCU collaborates with staff from the State and Federal OIG, Utah DHHS, Adult Protective Services, DEA, U.S. Attorney’s Office (jointly working 11 cases in 2022), Managed Care Entities, and the National Association of Medicaid Program Integrity-Fraud Control Units.  

Original source can be found here.