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星期一, 10月 03, 2016

HOME HEALTH AGENCY CRIMINALLY CHARGED FOR DEFRAUDING STATE MEDICAID PROGRAM MORE THAN $800,000

HOME HEALTH AGENCY CRIMINALLY CHARGED FOR DEFRAUDING STATE MEDICAID PROGRAM MORE THAN $800,000
Defendants Allegedly Routinely Overbilled MassHealth, Falsely Billed for Unauthorized Services that Were Never Provided 

BOSTON – A Worcester-based home health agency and three individuals have been indicted in connection with allegations that they stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from the state’s Medicaid program (MassHealth) by routinely overbilling and falsely billing for services that were not authorized or provided to patients, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today.

“Our MassHealth program exists to assist people who are truly in need of health-related services, but this home health agency instead exploited this program to bilk hundreds of thousands of dollars from the state,” AG Healey. “We will continue to aggressively pursue those who use fraudulent means and theft to pad their own pockets at the expense of patients and taxpayers.”   
                                                                                         
Compassionate Homecare, Inc. (CHC), owner Francis Kimaru, chief operating officer Wilberto Rodriguez, and administrator Deborah Giordano were indicted on Thursday by a Statewide Grand Jury on the following charges:

Compassionate Homecare
·         Larceny by False Pretense (4 counts)
·         Medicaid False Claims (5 counts)

Francis Kimaru, 41, North Grafton, MA
·         Larceny by False Pretense (1 counts)
·         Medicaid False Claims (2 counts)

Wilberto Rodriguez, 31, Norwich, CT
·         Larceny by False Pretense (2 counts)
·         Medicaid False Claims (3 counts)

Deborah Giordano, 57, West Greenwich, RI
·         Larceny by False Pretense (1 count)
·         Medicaid False Claims (2 counts)

The defendants will be arraigned in Worcester Superior Court at a later date.

CHC is headquartered in Worcester with branch offices in West Springfield and Lawrence. It was established to provide home health services to individuals covered by the MassHealth program, including skilled nursing and home health aide (HHA) visits.

The AG’s Office began an investigation after a physician complained that CHC was seeking authorization to provide services, through “phony” referral forms, for patients who had no medical need for home health services. MassHealth also referred the case to the AG’s Office after alleging misconduct. The AG’s investigation revealed that from 2011 to February 2016, CHC allegedly billed MassHealth through numerous fraudulent schemes.

Investigators allege that CHC recruited a significant number of patients who required no health-related services and who were fully capable of performing their own activities of daily living. 

The AG’s Office alleges that CHC, through Kimaru, Rodriguez and Giordano, routinely and knowingly billed MassHealth for services that had not been authorized by a physician in violation of MassHealth regulations.

The AG’s investigation also revealed that in several instances, CHC altered records on plans of care to omit notations by physicians denying home health services to make it appear as if services were authorized. In addition, CHC allegedly forged physicians’ signatures in some cases after the physicians explicitly refused to authorize services.

CHC also allegedly billed for services that it never provided to MassHealth members, including instances where the company billed for home health services while members were at inpatient facilities.

As a result of its investigation to date, the AG’s Office has identified $815,588.61 that MassHealth paid CHC for services that were either not authorized or never provided.           

MassHealth provides healthcare products and services to eligible low-income individuals, including people with disabilities, children and senior citizens.

All of these charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

               This matter was handled by Assistant Attorneys General Nita Klunder and Casey Groff, Investigators Gregoire Ucuz and Andrew Lutynski, all of AG Healey’s Medicaid Fraud Division, Special Agents from the
 Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, and the AG’s Victim/Witness Services Division. The Massachusetts State Police and MassHealth assisted in this investigation. 

僑胞返臺慶雙十 僑委會邀體驗精緻旅遊及優質醫療

僑胞返臺慶雙十 僑委會邀體驗精緻旅遊及優質醫療

雙十國慶將到來,全球各地心繫中華民國、愛護臺灣的僑胞紛紛籌劃回國一同慶祝中華民國105歲的生日。僑委會委員長吳新興歡迎海外僑胞返臺參加雙十國慶活動,除了10月9日在臺北小巨蛋精心安排「四海同心聯歡大會」外,並首度公開徵選臺灣精緻旅遊行程,同時邀請全臺醫療機構承辦健檢優惠專案,讓僑胞在返臺期間能一覽臺灣美景與人文,又能體驗享譽國際的優質醫療服務。

吳新興表示,僑委會年度盛事「四海同心聯歡大會」將於10月9日在臺北小巨蛋舉行,大會主題為「青年力量」,以僑生與臺灣傑出青年為主軸,設計多元精彩的節目,呈現臺灣年輕世代的力量。

另外,歡迎海外僑胞前往全臺各地旅遊參訪,僑委會今年首次公開徵選優良旅行社承辦旅遊行程,共有40家國內業者入選,推出94條精選旅遊路線,不僅能確保旅遊品質避免糾紛,同時也與國慶活動相互搭配,讓僑胞享受優質旅遊服務。

推動臺灣醫療服務國際化是當前國家重點工作項目,僑委會關懷僑胞健康,特地洽請全臺54家醫療機構,在僑胞返臺參加雙十國慶之際,提供優惠的慶典健檢專案,期盼藉由僑胞實際感受的口碑力量,將優質醫療服務推展到海外。

105年十月慶典僑胞回國報名至930日止,相關訊息、旅遊活動及安心專案相關資訊請參閱僑委會網站(www.ocac.gov.tw)/十月慶典專區,歡迎僑胞查詢利用。

星期日, 10月 02, 2016

美中醫藥協會創業投資研討會 首辦一對一洽談(圖片)

張友忻(右)介紹講者Cormorant資產管理公司執行長陳碧華(譯音)。(周菊子攝)
研討會策劃人邵劍(右二起)為講者 David-Alexandre Gros介紹波士頓學院
專利辦公室主任文立民等與會嘉賓。(周菊子攝)





曾任CABA會長的陳志宏(右)與邵劍和嘉賓寒暄。(周菊子攝)



CABA首屆創投會還闢有一對一洽談環節。(周菊子攝)

弘暉資本創辦人王暉(右)先後到美中醫藥協會,中美投融資峰會分享經驗。(周菊子攝)

燎原中美投融資峰會一,二日在波士頓會議展覽中心舉行(圖片)










轉載:波士頓華僑文教中心僑務簡訊

       
 
僑 務 簡 訊
波士頓華僑文教服務中心           


Culture Center of T.E.C.O. in Boston90 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands, MA 02461Tel: 617-965-8801 Fax: 617-965-8815
中華民國10510月第1


◎波士頓全僑慶祝中華民國105年雙十國慶日活動歡迎僑胞踴躍參加!
  
日期
時間
活動內容
地點
10月8日
10:00 AM
國慶遊行暨升旗大會
9:30中國城牌樓集合
10月8日
 3:00 PM
慶祝雙十國慶
紐英崙地區書畫攝影展
中華公所
10月8日
 6:30 PM
國慶全僑餐會
帝苑餐廳
10月9日
 9:30 AM
國慶登山
Blue Hills Reservation
詳細資訊可洽詢波士頓華僑文教服務中心617-965-8801 

「海外僑胞返國自費體驗優質安心醫療服務」
臺灣醫療技術及服務已臻世界水準,倍受海內外各界肯定,為增進海外僑胞福祉,並妥善運用廣大僑胞聯繫網絡將臺灣高水準之醫療品質推向國際,特訂定「推動海外僑胞返國自費體驗優質安心醫療服務實施計畫」,以運用華人社群之全球網絡,打開臺灣醫療服務之國際知名度僑胞鄉親欲瞭解有關僑務委員會推動海外僑胞返國自費體驗優質安心醫療服務相關資訊,詳細資訊可至臺灣國際醫療全球資訊網http://www.medicaltravel.org.tw/ 查詢



歡迎返國僑胞踴躍參與十月慶典旅遊活
中華民國僑務委員會「105年十月慶典僑胞旅遊活動」40家旅行社94條旅遊行程文宣業公告於僑委會官網「十月慶典專區」(www.ocac.gov.tw路徑十月慶典專區/105年十月慶典僑胞旅遊活動相關資料/105年十月慶典僑胞旅遊活動旅遊路線彩色文宣),歡迎返國僑胞踴躍參與十月慶典旅遊活動。 


慶祝中華民國105年國慶四海同心聯歡大
  中華民國僑務委員會年度盛事—「四海同心聯歡大會」將於10月9日(星期日)下午2時至4時在臺北小巨蛋舉行,以多元及振奮人心的節目設計,歡迎海內外僑胞共襄盛舉、一同慶祝中華民國105歲生日。
  今年大會主題為「青年力量」,特別以僑生與臺灣傑出青年為主軸,由資深藝人引領僑胞重溫昔日的優美樂章,並由新生代表演團隊引爆臺灣傑出青年及海外優秀僑生之活力,呈現臺灣年輕世代的力量,帶領臺灣邁向嶄新的明天。 
  四海同心聯歡大會將由「臺灣宏觀電視」及YouTube網路同步現場Live直播,「中視無線臺」頻道則於雙十國慶當日(星期一)下午3時至5時精華重播,歡迎國內外同胞按時收看。 

Contact Taiwan攬才服務網httpwww.contacttaiwan.tw
 Contact Taiwan分別為國際專業人才、國內企業及海外投資者提供「一站式服務窗口」
 (ONE-STOP)的資訊服務。同時以海外人才在臺工作與生活的親身故事,讓大家認識
 臺灣,並歡迎來臺為您的職涯與投資發展的藍圖築夢!

 Contact Taiwan為國際專業人才,提供了簽證、居留與生活資訊、臺灣產業優勢及 
    就業機會等資訊;

 Contact Taiwan為國內企業人才需求,提供國際專業人才資訊及潛在專業人才媒合
   的服務;

 Contact Taiwan為海外投資者提供臺灣產業優勢、投資機會、各種鼓勵投資方案等
   資訊與服務。

星期六, 10月 01, 2016

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH SAMARITANS TO PROMOTE SUICIDE PREVENTION

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH SAMARITANS TO PROMOTE SUICIDE PREVENTION  
BOSTON - Saturday, October 1, 2016 -  At the 5K Samaritans Road Race, Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the City of Boston's partnership with the Samaritans of Boston, leading a citywide initiative to reduce the stigma associated with suicide, create public awareness about suicide prevention and increase support services to individuals in crisis. Samaritans Boston provides life-saving suicide prevention services that include a 24 hour phone/text helpline for people in crisis. Together with the City of Boston, Samaritans will educate workers that have regular contact with high risk populations about suicide prevention.

"Suicide is a public health concern, and educating residents about existing resources, and identifying the risk signs of people who may harm themselves can help save lives," said Mayor Walsh. "As a City, we are only as strong as our people, and I am thankful to partners like the Samaritans for their work to fight suicide and save lives."

Samaritans Gatekeeper Workshops will be presented to City Departments that have regular contact with high risk populations such as teens, veterans and the elderly. "Gatekeepers," workers who are contact with high risk populations, will learn important information about suicide prevention, including risk factors and warning signs; building resiliency/protective factors; and how to support someone at risk for suicide. Participating departments include The Office of Veteran Services, Boston Centers for Youth and Families' Street Workers and Senior Outreach Program, and the Boston Public Health Commission's Community Initiatives, Recovery Services, Homeless Services and Child, Adolescents and Family Services Program.

In an effort to target teens, the Samaritans were invited to present a Suicide Prevention and Awareness workshop to more than 800 youth participating in the Mayor's SuccessLink summer jobs program. The youth listened to families impacted by a suicide death in their family, learning the warning signs and resources available to them. Each received a co-branded wristband containing the Samaritans toll free call/text crisis line - some of whom have since utilized the crisis line for support.

"Samaritans is thrilled to be working with Mayor Walsh and so many groups in the City of Boston to raise awareness about this issue, and to let people know that suicide is preventable," said Steve Mongeau, Executive Director of Samaritans, Inc. "Through this partnership, we will help those who are struggling, and educate many about the warning signs and risk factors surrounding suicide."

In Massachusetts, suicides are four times more frequent than homicides. Suicide has been steadily on the rise in Massachusetts, increasing by 38% since tracking began in 2003. However, the numbers have leveled off over the last four years and there is hope that we can reduce loss to suicide in the years ahead.

"Suicide does not discriminate. Suicide impacts people regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity," said Felix G. Arroyo, Chief of the Mayor's Office of Health and Human Services. "This partnership will ensure we continue open and honest conversations about preventing suicide."  

Residents who are interesting in joining the City of Boston and Samaritans Inc. in their mission to prevent suicide are encouraged to explore joining the the Samaritans Hotline.

About Samaritans
For over 40 years, Samaritans, Inc. volunteers have answered more than 2.5 million phone calls. The agency has trained more than 4,500 volunteers and instructed more than 100,000 individuals through its Community Education and Outreach Program, and has supported over 10,000 individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide. For more information about Samaritans, please visitwww.samaritanshope.org or contact Samaritans' business office at 617-536-2460 or info@samaritanshope.org. The Samaritans statewide helpline is 877-870-4673, taking calls and texts 24/7.

僑委會:4千僑胞將返國參與雙十慶典

轉載
(中央社記者唐佩君台北29日電)僑務委員會今天表示,今年將有4000位僑胞返國參與雙十國慶,而「四海同心聯歡大會」節目,將配合總統蔡英文「培養年輕僑領」的理念,以「青年力量」為主軸呈現台灣多元文化。
立法院外交國防委員會今天邀請僑委會委員長吳新興業務報告,僑委會在書面報告說明今年國慶活動情況。
僑委會指出,由於僑胞今年5月間剛回台參與第14任總統、副總統就職慶祝活動,因此預估返國參與本年十月慶典活動僑胞人數約4000人。將援例成立「僑胞接待服務處」,除安排僑胞參與10月10日「國慶大會活動」、「國慶酒會」外,並鼓勵參加10月9日「四海同心聯歡大會」。
今年「四海同心聯歡大會」節目,配合蔡總統就職時宣示「培養年輕僑領」的理念,特以「青年力量」為主軸,併以「點亮希望 台灣發光」、「感恩台灣 故鄉的歌」、「深耕在地 多元文化」及「青年美樂地」等四大主題,呈現台灣多元文化,讓僑胞親身感受台灣的朝氣與活力。
僑委會表示,另為提供海外僑胞更優質旅遊行程及促進各縣市觀光收益,今年公開甄選40家旅行社所規劃的94條旅遊行程供僑胞參採,行程遍布北、中、南、東部及離島。
此外,為推廣「僑胞安心計畫」,將於慶典期間設置服務櫃檯,並請衛生福利部協助僑胞預約健檢與提供相關諮詢,以利返國鄉親體驗優質服務,促進台灣國際醫療產業發展。

LEO Pharma expands partnering presence with LEO Science & Tech Hub in Boston

LEO Pharma expands partnering presence with LEO Science & Tech Hub in Boston 

The Hub will join forces with life science community to advance treatment of skin diseases

BALLERUP, Denmark, 30 September 2016 - LEO Pharma, a global healthcare company dedicated to helping people achieve healthy skin, today announced the official inauguration of the LEO Science & Tech Hub in Boston by Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess Mary of Denmark. The event, which also includes participation from the Danish Minister for Business and Growth Troels Lund Poulsen, brings to-gether members of the Boston life science community to explore opportunities for partnership and inno-vation. 
The Hub aims to catalyze early-stage collaborations in science and technology in order to advance the treatment of skin diseases and is the first of its kind to focus on dermatology in the Greater Boston area, the world's leading life science cluster. 

"With the establishment of the LEO Science & Tech Hub at the epicenter of this world-leading biotech supercluster, LEO Pharma is poised to foster novel collaborations that can lead to significant advances in science," says Kim Kjoeller, Executive Vice President, Global Research & Development, LEO Phar-ma. "By creating alliances with industry and academia here in the region, we hope to change the treat-ment paradigm in dermatology and improve the quality of life of people with skin diseases."

The LEO Science & Tech Hub will build early-stage collaborations with academic centers, entrepreneurs and companies in the United States - and support collaborators in validating novel targets in skin dis-eases and advancing technology towards commercialization. The Hub team has access to full deal-making capabilities and can provide support in terms of seed investments and co-development, including access to LEO Pharma's global network of dermatology expertise. Collaborators can access LEO Phar-ma's preclinical and clinical expertise as well as the digital healthcare expertise of LEO Innovation Lab.

"The LEO Science & Tech Hub wants to join forces with life science innovators in the US to change the treatment paradigm for people with skin diseases and take the first steps towards precision medicine in dermatology," says Michael Sierra, Vice President, LEO Science & Tech Hub. "By offering our collabora-tors access to funding and a unique global network of dermatology expertise, we want to act as cata-lysts for innovation and help bring new science and technology to the next stage."

The Hub's team of science experts will engage with partners in three areas: cognitive computer learning, imaging, and biomarkers. For example, the Hub will explore the use of smart phones to help patients monitor their disease and track treatment progress. The Hub will also explore advanced imaging technol-ogies as a valid and reliable alternative to skin biopsies. The overall aim is to enable patients and doc-tors to monitor, diagnose, and treat skin diseases in a more effective and less invasive way.

The LEO Science & Tech Hub is located in the heart of the Kendall Square innovation district at the CIC in Cambridge, Massachusetts. 

"We are excited for LEO Pharma to join Massachusetts' thriving life sciences ecosystem, bringing the first center focused exclusively on dermatology to the Commonwealth," said Charlie Baker, Governor of Massachusetts. "This new facility will advance research and the development of new treatments in the field of dermatology, while opening up new opportunities for collaboration between the life sciences communities in Massachusetts and Denmark."

"We congratulate LEO Pharma on the opening of the new LEO Science & Tech Hub in Kendall Square," said Robert K. Coughlin, President & CEO of MassBio. "We know that LEO Pharma's collaborative spirit will cultivate new partnerships in the Hub that will advance precision medicine in dermatology and ulti-mately speed the development of innovative treatments for patients around the world." 

"LEO Pharma's new dermatology-focused LEO Science & Tech Hub is a welcome addition to the many life sciences centers of excellence that are operating and innovating in and around Boston and Cam-bridge," said Travis McCready, President & CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center. "Skin dis-eases are more common than one might expect - every year one in four Americans consult their primary care physician regarding a skin concern. We look forward to collaborating with LEO Pharma as they put down roots and form partnerships within the world's leading ecosystem for life sciences innovation and growth."