更多波士頓公校畢業生有機會從波士頓大學無債畢業

(Boston Orange)波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin J. Walsh)和波士頓大學今(21)日宣佈，擴辦波士頓大學以波士頓公校高中畢業生為對象，已辦理7年的”波士頓大學社區服務獎”獎學金項目，以其更多學生有機會在無債務情況下完成學業。

從2017年秋季這學期開始，在大一新生之外，波士頓公校畢業生轉學進波士頓大學者，也可申請。

波士頓市四月時宣佈免費社區學院計畫，容許波士頓公校畢業生在市府的”免學費計畫”下，註冊入讀波士頓社區學院(Boston Community College)，邦克丘(Bunker Hill)社區學院，或洛士百利(Roxbury)社區學院。波士頓也推出了"兒童儲蓄帳戶(Children's Saving Account)"項目，幫助波士頓公校學生為將來接受大專教育存錢。

              波士頓公校學生畢業率，近年達到71%的歷史高點，完成大專學院教育的比率也持續上升，有大約30%的黑人及西班牙裔學生高中畢業，入讀大專院校後，在六年內完成了學業。

              波士頓大學的這一項目，目前支持150名波士頓大學本科生應付所有的財務需要，包括學費，食宿費，書籍，用品，旅費，雜費等等，完全不需要他們辦貸款。

            代理註冊級學生事務的波士頓大學副校長Christine McGuire表示，該校每年有35到40名大一學生參加這一項目，他們的畢業率有94%。學校方面的開銷是每名學生每年41,000元。

              2013年從波士頓拉丁學校畢業，現為波士頓大學英語系2017年級學生的Rosy Chen表示，”社區服務學者項目”是她和兩個姊姊，波士頓大學商學院2013年級的Anna Chen，2015年級的Helen Chan，都能夠在不需要貸款情況下，就讀波士頓大學的主要原因。他們的母親是裁縫，父親在餐館中工作。

              任何波士頓公校畢業生，按照波士頓大學入學許可標準被錄取者，都有資格申請加入這無債財務援助計畫。目前就讀兩年制社區學院的波士頓公校畢業生，在從社區學院畢業前轉學者，也可申請。

              波士頓大學表示，這項目從2009年起設立以來，已有384名波士頓公校畢業生享用了共3600萬元的獎學金。

              “社區服務獎”獲得者必須保持GPA2.0的成績，每學期至少修畢12個學分。在第一個學期以後，她們必須在輔導者指導下，每學期做25小時的社區服務，他們也必須每年申請財務援助，提供收入證明等文件。

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR BPS STUDENTS

Scholarship expansion builds on City's commitment to create higher education opportunities for Boston students

BOSTON - Wednesday, December 21, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Boston University (BU) today announced the expansion of the Boston University scholarship program for graduates of Boston Public Schools, offering even more students an opportunity to pursue their degree debt-free. The BU Community Service Awards , a seven-year-old program that has been limited to incoming freshman, will be made available to incoming transfer students who are Boston public high school graduates, beginning with the fall semester of 2017. "This scholarship will make a tremendous impact in the lives of our BPS students," said Mayor Walsh. "We know that BPS graduates are smart, dedicated individuals, and Boston University is offering them a fantastic opportunity to pursue their degree, without the financial burden so many students have to take on. I'm grateful Boston has a strong academic partner in Boston University, and look forward to BPS students benefitting from the expanded scholarship program." "Boston University is deepening its commitment to the City of Boston, as we remain dedicated to providing world-class higher education," said BU President Robert A. Brown. "We are pleased to be able to offer scholarships to Boston Public School graduates, and are hopeful this expansion of the program will allow more students from Boston to study and graduate from Boston University." The expanded scholarship program builds on Mayor Walsh's commitment to expanding higher education opportunities for all BPS graduates. In April, the City began a free community college program for BPS graduates, allowing students to enroll in a Boston community college at Bunker Hill Community College or Roxbury Community College under the City's Tuition Free Plan. In addition, the City of Boston has also launched the Children's Savings Account (CSA) program, helping BPS students save for their future college education. BPS graduation rates are at historic highs, with recent data capturing high school graduation rates at 71 percent. Boston is also seeing consistent progress in college completion rates, as approximately 30 percent of black and Hispanic students who enter college after high school complete their degree within six years. The BU program, which currently supports 150 BU undergraduates, meets the full calculated financial needs of students, including tuition, room and board, books, supplies, travel, and fees, all without loans. Christine McGuire, vice president ad interim for enrollment and student affairs, says 35 to 40 freshman each year take advantage of the program, which has a graduation rate of 94 percent. The cost to the University averages $41,000 per year, per student. "The Community Service scholars program is the main reason why I'm even at BU. It's the reason why my two sisters were also able to attend and graduate from BU," says Rosy Chen (English 2017), a 2013 graduate of Boston Latin School who is studying computer engineering. Her sisters are also BU students: Anna Chen (Questrom School of Business 2013) and Helen Chen (Questrom School of Business 2015). Their mother is a seamstress, and her father works in a restaurant. "There was no way my family would have been able to afford putting my sisters and me through four years at BU each," said Chen. "But the Community Service program changed that. It's not very often that someone can graduate from a private institution without any loans, but the program made it possible for me and my sisters. And I'm grateful for that. With this degree, I'll be able to get access to more opportunities, whether it be grad school in the future or whatever career path I choose to follow." Any BPS graduate who is admitted based on BU's transfer admissions standards would be eligible for the expanded scholarship program and debt-free financial aid program. All BPS transfer students are eligible, including students who attend a two-year community college program, before graduating with an associate's degree and transferring to a four-year institution for their bachelor's degree. The program, created in 2009, has served over 348 Boston Public Schools graduates with over $36 million in scholarships. It provides a University faculty or staff mentor for each student as a resource and support throughout their four years. Community Service Award recipients must maintain a 2.00 cumulative GPA and successfully complete at least 12 credits per semester. After their first semester, they are required to perform 25 hours of community service per semester, under the guidance of their mentor. They must also reapply for financial aid each year, including income verification documents.   The cost is mostly met with University scholarship funding.  If eligible, students in the program may also receive federal grants and work-study funding. Students must complete the normal financial aid process, which includes submitting a CSS Profile and FAFSA applications. BU also funds the Thomas M. Menino Scholarship Program, which supports up to 25 exemplary incoming students each year with four years' full tuition

好萊塢影星和前麻州長的祖先是同一個女巫?

一名好萊塢演員和一名曾經參選美國總統州長的遠祖，竟然是同一個女巫。

波士頓環球報今(21)日刊出一篇這樣的有趣報導，稱好萊塢演員Zach Braff向TMZ 影視證實，有一次搭飛機時，他和麻州前州長朗尼(Mitt Romney)巧合的比鄰而坐，聊了一會兒後，發現他們兩人都是麻州塞冷鎮(Salem)女巫， Rebecca Nurse的後代。這名女巫在塞冷女巫審判中，於1962年被處決了。

波士頓環球報同時指出，這消息其實並不新鮮，早在4年前，Zach Braff就在Reddit上發表了他這說法。

麻州牛頓元極舞健身會年終聚會 介紹元級舞養生緣由

出席活動的麻州牛頓元極舞健身會會員與嘉賓合影。(周菊子攝)

波士頓華僑文教中心主任歐宏偉(中)和嘉賓，元極舞成員們一起切蛋糕。(謝開明攝)

(Boston Orange 周菊子牛頓市報導)麻州牛頓元極舞健康會12月18日中午在波士頓華僑文教中心舉辦”健康座談及社團開放日”，第一次在示範舞蹈，聚餐之外，請資深會員分享心得，以幻燈片介紹元極舞概要，鼓勵人們運動健身，享受快樂人生。

駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處副處長陳銘俊指身體健康很重要。
(周菊子攝)

            曾秀梅，鄭玉春，曾建斗，宋玉琴，Heather等資深會員，經司儀宋玉琴介紹，當天一一分享跳元極舞的緣由，心得。會員湯玲玲還用幻燈片做了一場”認識元極舞”的介紹。

            駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處副處長陳銘俊在會上應邀致詞，透露自已己持續跑步一年這祕密。他說，人生在世，甚麼都是假的，只有身體是真的。儘管財富，愛情，學歷，工作都重要，但是沒有健康這個一在前面，一切都是零。

曾秀梅。

            波士頓華僑文教中心主任歐宏偉當天因另有要務，後來才趕到會場，與元極舞會員們同切蛋糕慶祝，嘉勉會員們繼續健身，快樂生活。

            曾秀梅指出，2002年5月25日，”波士頓元極舞聯誼會”在僑教中心成立，那時的僑教中心主任就是歐宏偉。她在應邀參觀時，認識陳玲雪，蘇瑞珍兩位老師，見識到什麼是元極舞，很喜歡，當場加入，從此一練十幾年，沒間斷過。

出席嘉賓坐前排。

她覺得元極舞易學，輕快，又活潑，是揉合了武術，氣功的舞蹈，有至少18集不同內容，把練功，娛樂和健身，治病，巧妙的結合為一。學員們的年紀，國籍都很多元，老師也義務教學，的確是很好的運動。她自己也好幾次義務帶隊回台灣受訓。

司儀宋玉琴。

該會會長鄭玉春先感謝曾秀梅，鄭雪卿，余鳳子，梁慧玲等四名會員，以及該會總顧問曾秀梅，曾建斗，她丈夫曾政泉，Francies，Heather等人任勞任怨，服務精神感人，接著唸元極處世原則，”急事慢慢說，大事清楚的說，小事幽默的說，沒把握的事謹慎地說，沒發生的事不要胡說，做不到的事別亂說，傷害人的事不能說，討厭的事對事不對人的說，開心的事看場合說，傷心的事不要見人就說，別人的事小心地說，自己的事聽聽自己心裡怎麼說，現在的事做了再說，未來的事未來再說，如果對我有不滿意的地方，請你一定要對我說。。。，把會場中的人逗得樂不可支。

會長鄭玉春。(謝開明攝)

            Heather 大概是元極舞學員中唯一的西方人。她透露自己從台灣日活動接觸到元極舞，經人介紹，到僑教中心報名上課，覺得和一群快樂人相處十分愉快。她笑說沒想到自己來練元極舞，不知不覺已7年，希望未來7年還要繼續

            曾建斗是練元極舞的少數男士之一，當初來參加，只是為了應付姐姐曾秀梅的要求他做運動，練身體，卻沒想到就此被吸引，覺得自己的人生多了一到彩虹，身體比以前強壯。他也認為是元極舞幫助他變得更有自信，更敢於在公眾面前發言。

曾建斗。

            元極舞的資深會員湯玲玲，這天以幻燈片深入淺出的介紹元極舞緣由。她指出，元極舞其實是元極功法中的一種修練法，本來是蒙古人歡樂慶功的舞蹈，一度被封為國粹，其後逐漸被人遺忘，直到前幾年，中國大陸原籍法掌門人張志祥根據”元極密錄”編成現行的元極功法。

            湯玲玲坦言，自己當初接觸元極舞，也是因為身體健康的警鐘想起，其後能夠堅持練習，主要原因是元極舞的動作優美，音樂悅耳，病痛不治而癒。

鄭雪卿(右)。

            湯玲玲指出，在台灣的元極舞是1994年時，由曾赴湖北蓮花山學習的林榮昭創辦，引進，1999年8 月正式創立，名為”中華功法與元極舞研究會”，有著多元風格，編有不下12集功法，以及舉步，馬步，弓步，仆步等基本步法，四方拳，立拳，蓮花拳，勾手等基本手型。

Add caption

她說，元極人有紅上衣，白長褲的穿著要求，練習要點包括蓮花步，縮副提肛，頭頂尾椎垂直，鬆肩沉肘，以腰帶臂，以腰帶跨，力連指尖，演轉手動，音樂節拍等。她強調，練元極舞是為自身健康而運動，要了解正確姿勢，謹防運動受傷，練習量力而為，諮詢醫療專家等，如果微微出汗還有助排毒。有心練習者，網路上有很多參考資料。

                     當天到會的嘉賓還有波士頓前任僑務委員馬滌凡，前任紐英崙客家鄉親會副會長林展輝，現任副會長謝如鍵，新英格蘭台商會副會長林海倫等人。

                       該會每周二，四早上10點至下午1點，周日下午1點至5點，在波士頓華僑文教中心的牛頓市會址練習，每人每次收場地費一元。(部分圖片已於12/16/2016發表)

(謝開明攝)

(謝開明攝)

(謝開明攝)

林展輝(右)、謝如健(中)。(謝開明攝)

劉秀春展示會員們自製的美食。(謝開明攝)

波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉(左)和元極舞會長鄭玉春(右)。(謝開明攝)

(謝開明攝)

謝開明攝

會長鄭玉春(左)和陳玫菁。(謝開明攝)

BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES WORKSHOP COLLABORATION WITH AMERICAN REPERTORY THEATER

BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES WORKSHOP COLLABORATION WITH AMERICAN REPERTORY THEATER

BOSTON – December 20, 2016 – Boston Public Library’s Kirstein Business Library and Innovation Center announces its collaborative workshop series with the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) in conjunction with its All the City’s a Stage initiative. All workshops take place at 6 p.m. in the Commonwealth Salon at the Central Library in Copley Square:

·         Digital Advertising on a Shoestring Budget: Tuesday December 20, 2016 at 6 p.m.

Led by Grace Geller, A.R.T. Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications

Digital advertising and marketing allow companies to easily evaluate the success of different tactics and offer a more flexible approach to marketing in today’s world. However, many smaller budget companies often do not have the financial ability to invest in hiring an outside firm to implement an elaborate digital strategy. This session focuses on some of the ways smaller budget companies can benefit from the increasingly digital marketplace and begin to internalize digital advertising.

·         How It’s Made: Producing for Theater: Tuesday January 3, 2017 at 6 p.m.

Led by Mark Lunsford, A.R.T. Line Producer & Ari Barbanell, former A.R.T. Director of Special Projects and Associate Producer at OBERON

The presenters discuss the process and challenges of producing at a nonprofit theater and the opportunities for producing plays in Boston.

·         Hitting Your Mark: An Intro to Performing Arts Branding: Tuesday January 17, 2017 at 6 p.m.

Led by Joel Zayac, A.R.T. Senior Graphic Designer & Robert Duffley, A.R.T. Publications and Artistic Programs Associate

How do arts organizations develop a distinctive visual identity? How do you tell potential audiences what to expect at your show without giving away the ending? Drawing from a range of historical and contemporary examples, this seminar offers a number of different strategies for performing arts brand formation. Participants will learn what goes into creating a strong graphic identity representative of an artistic mission. 

·         Public Speaking Tutorial: Strengthening Your Vocal and Physical Presentation Skills: Tuesday March 7, 2017 at 6 p.m.

Led by Erika Bailey, A.R.T. Institute Head of Voice and Speech

This workshop offers tips and tutorials for effective public speaking.

·         Fundraising for Theater: Tuesday March 21, 2017 at 6 p.m.

Led by Megan Hinckley, A.R.T. Director of Development

Discuss the process of fundraising for nonprofit theater organizations. 

About BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY Boston Public Library has a Central Library, twenty-four branches, map center, business library, and a website filled with digital content and services. Established in 1848, the Boston Public Library has pioneered public library service in America. It was the first large free municipal library in the United States, the first public library to lend books, the first to have a branch library, and the first to have a children’s room. Each year, the Boston Public Library hosts thousands of programs and serves millions of people. All of its programs and exhibitions are free and open to the public. At the Boston Public Library, books are just the beginning. To learn more, visit bpl.org.

The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) is one of the country's most celebrated resident theaters and the winner of numerous awards including multiple Tony Awards, the Pulitzer Prize and regional Elliot Norton and I.R.N.E. Awards, and named one of the top three regional theaters in the country by Time magazine.  Under the leadership of Artistic Director Diane Paulus the A.R.T. programs its season to fulfill the theater's mission to "expand the boundaries of theater," broadening its focus to include the audience's total experience and providing them with a sense of ownership in the theatrical event. The A.R.T.’s club theater OBERON, which Paulus calls a “second stage for the 21st century,” is an example of one initiative that has not only become an incubator for local artists but also has attracted national attention as a groundbreaking model for programming. Through all of its work, the A.R.T. is committed to building a community of artists, designers, technicians, administrators and audience. Critics and audiences have embraced the immersive environments that have become hallmarks of A.R.T. productions.

BAKER-POLITO ADMINISTRATION AWARDS MORE THAN $162,000 IN WORKPLACE SAFETY GRANTS

BAKER-POLITO ADMINISTRATION AWARDS MORE THAN $162,000 IN WORKPLACE SAFETY GRANTS

BOSTON MA – Ten Massachusetts employers were awarded a total of $162,948 to help train employees in workplace safety and injury prevention, the Baker-Polito Administration’s Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced today.

“These grants continue to provide employees important training and education to help keep themselves and their co-workers safe on the job,”Governor Charlie Baker said.

“Every year, thousands of workers in the Commonwealth receive training to make themselves and their work environments safer,” Lt. Governor Karyn Polito said.

The Department of Industrial Accidents administers and manages the Workplace Safety Training and Education Grant program to promote safe, healthy workplace conditions through training, education, and other preventative programs for businesses and employees covered by the Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation law. 

This is the final round of grants in fiscal year 2016, which will train 460 employees. During the fiscal year, the Baker-Polito Administration awarded a total of $696,000 to 44 companies to train nearly 5,000 workers.

Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ronald L. Walker said, “This safety training increases a worker’s knowledge of their surroundings and job, bringing more opportunities for their growth and success.”

The maximum grant amount per employer is $25,000. Businesses are awarded training grants through a competitive application process. The Department of Industrial Accidents is opening another round of applications soon.

Organizations that received grants:

AGM Marine Contractors, Inc. - Mashpee, MA - $18,789- AGM Marine provides marine construction and dredging services.  Proposed training includes OSHA, FA/AED, and crane operator.

CGIT Systems, Inc. – Medway, MA - $21,127 - CGIT Systems provides a compact reliable method of transmitting large amounts of power over long distance. Proposed training includes in-house train the trainer, GHS Hazcom, blood -borne pathogens and aerial lift/scissor lift.

Energía, LLC – Holyoke - $14,274 - Energia is an energy services company that provides upgrades for residential, multifamily and commercial properties to reduce utility costs and energy use throughout western Massachusetts. Proposed training includes, EPR Renovation, OSHA 10, OSHA 30, confined space, office ergonomics, and CPR/First Aid.

Helfrich Brothers Boiler Works - Lawrence, MA - $24,000 -Helfrich Brothers Boiler Works services the power plant industustries. They are a steel fabrication and machine shop having fabrication capabilities to include ASME pressure vessel fabrication, machining and boiler parts of all types.  Their proposed training includes Slings and Rigging, Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety, Confined Space, Fall Protection, Fire Extinguisher, Hazard Communication, Hot works and Lead Safety.

Lahey Clinic – Burlington, MA - $19,474 - Lahey Clinic is a 317- bed hospital and ambulatory care center.  LHMC is a teaching hospital for Tufts University School of Medicine.  Nurses, Clinical Assistants and other staff are at high risk of musculoskeletal disorders cause by overexertion.  Proposed training includes safe patient lifting/handling.

LBP Solutions, LLC - Foxboro, MA - $18,462 - LBP Solutions, LLC is a full service environmental inspection and consulting firm specializing in hazardous building material surveys.  Proposed training includes 40hr Hazwoper, OSHA 30, CPR/FA, confined space and fall protection.

Link House – Salisbury - $3,210 –Link House, Inc. provides residential programs for men and women who struggle with drug and alcohol addictions. It is a non-profit organization that has served more than 5,000 men and women. Proposed training will include crisis management and violence prevention.

Medtronic – Chicopee MA, – $8,795.40- Medtronic is a medical supply plant. The company’s training will include Powered Industrial Trucks, CPR/FA/AED, job safety and hazard recognition.

Shaheen Brothers, Inc. - Amesbury, MA - $17,815.50- Shaheen Brothers is a family run business in the Merrimack Valley.  They supply restaurants, health care facilities, hotels and others in the food service industry.  Proposed training includes ergonomics, driver safety, CPR/FA and forklift safety.

Van Lumber Inc. - Bellingham, MA- $17,000 - Van Lumber, Inc. is a wholesale/retail provider of interior millwork.  Proposed training includes forklift training, talk fire prevention, manual lifting, OSHA and Lock-Out/Tag Out.

AG HEALEY ANNOUNCES AGREEMENTS WITH SIX MAJOR RETAILERS TO STOP ON-CALL SHIFT SCHEDULING

AG HEALEY ANNOUNCES AGREEMENTS WITH SIX MAJOR RETAILERS TO STOP ON-CALL SHIFT SCHEDULING

Disney, Aeropostale, David’s Tea and Other Retailers Agree to Cease Burdensome Scheduling Practice Following Multistate Investigation

BOSTON – Continuing her efforts to protect vulnerable workers and their families, Attorney General Maura Healey today announced that six major national retailers that have locations in Massachusetts have agreed to stop using on-call shift scheduling following an inquiry by a multistate coalition of attorneys general.

An estimated 50,000 workers nationwide will benefit from the agreements to end the burdensome scheduling practice. Employees assigned to on-call shifts are typically required to contact their employer an hour or two before a scheduled shift to learn whether they must work the shift. Work is not guaranteed, and no wages are paid if a worker is not needed.

“On-call policies hurt low-wage workers who not only must line up daycare, elder care, or other arrangements with no guarantee of compensation, but also must pass up other opportunities to cover a shift or risk losing their job,” said AG Healey. “These policies are bad for workers and their families and we are pleased that these retailers have stopped using them.”

The six companies – Aeropostale, Carter’s, David’s Tea, Disney, PacSun, and Zumiez – were among 15 large retailers who received a joint inquiry letter from nine attorneys general in April of this year seeking information and documents related to their use of on-call shifts. Each of these 15 retailers has at least one store in Massachusetts, and collectively they have more than 150 stores in the state.

These six companies reported that they were using on-call shifts, but after discussions with the AGs’ Offices, all agreed to stop doing so, and none are currently using on-call shifts.

In addition to ending the use of on-call shifts, four of the companies – Carter’s, Disney, David’s Tea, and Zumiez – all committed to providing employees with their work schedules at least one week in advance of the start of the work week. This advance notice allows employees to plan ahead to cover child care and other obligations.

The six companies all found alternative staffing methods for addressing unanticipated employee absences or fluctuations in business volume. Typically, some kind of pool arrangement has been implemented in lieu of on-call shifts.

The collaboration among attorneys general stemmed from their collective concern about the impact of on-call shifts on employees and their families, as well as the national scope of the retail companies involved.

In April, AG Healey’s Office joined the other attorneys general in sending letters to 15 retailers, including American Eagle, Aeropostale, Payless, Disney, Coach, PacSun, Forever 21, Vans, Justice Just for Girls, BCBG Maxazria, Tilly’s, Inc., David’s Tea, Zumiez, Uniqlo, and Carter’s. Nine of these companies responded that they did not use the practice of on-call scheduling or had recently ended it.

The letters were signed by representatives of the attorneys general of California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, and Rhode Island. Several offices signed only letters to retailers located within their states. 

Retail salesperson is the most common occupation in the United States. In Massachusetts, there are over 100,000 retail sales jobs, and entry level retail workers earn, on average, $1,460 a month or $17,520 a year. Although men and women are nearly evenly represented in retail jobs, women are concentrated in low-wage retail jobs. 

AG Healey is committed to protecting the economic security of Massachusetts residents, particularly vulnerable workers. AG Healey’s Fair Labor Division is responsible for enforcing the Commonwealth’s wage and hour laws, including minimum wage and overtime laws.

Workers who believe that their rights have been violated in their workplace call the Office’s Fair Labor Hotline at (617) 727-3465. More information about the state’s wage and hour laws is also available in multiple languages at the Attorney General’s new Workplace Rights website www.mass.gov/ago/fairlabor.

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BURLINGTON WOMAN SENTENCED TO JAIL, ORDERED TO PAY UP TO $570,000 FOR BILLING PUBLIC AGENCIES FOR UNLICENSED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

BURLINGTON WOMAN SENTENCED TO JAIL, ORDERED TO PAY UP TO $570,000 FOR BILLING PUBLIC AGENCIES FOR UNLICENSED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Defendant and Her Twin Sister Stole from Medicaid, Medicare and Lawrence Public Schools

WOBURN – A Burlington woman has been sentenced to jail and ordered to pay up to $570,000 in restitution for stealing from public agencies by billing for unlicensed psychological services, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today. 

Nita Guzman, age 52, pleaded guilty on Friday in Middlesex Superior Court to the charges of Medicaid False Claims (2 counts), False Claims to Public Agency (1 Count), Larceny (4 Counts), and Unlicensed Practice of Psychology (2 Counts). 

After the plea was entered, Judge Laurence Pierce sentenced Guzman to 18 months in the House of Correction, with five years of probation upon completing her sentence. He also ordered her to pay up to $570,000. A restitution hearing has been set for Feb. 7, 2017 in Middlesex Superior Court to determine the exact restitution amount.

“Guzman and her sister orchestrated a criminal scheme to provide and bill for unlicensed psychological and mental health services for patients, including children, that they were not qualified to offer,” said AG Healey. “Guzman stole more than half a million dollars from taxpayers and defrauded public agencies who provide important services to those in need.”

Guzman’s twin sister, Nina Tischer, pleaded guilty in February 2016 to charges of False Claims to Public Agency (3 Counts), Larceny (3 Counts), Identity Fraud (3 counts), and Unlicensed Practice of Psychology (3 Counts). She was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in the House of Correction, suspended for a probationary period of five years.

Guzman and Tischer were indicted in August 2014 by a Statewide Grand Jury.Both sisters lived in Minnesota at the time of the indictments. In September 2014, Guzman was arrested by a Minnesota County Sheriff and Tischer turned herself in, and they were subsequently arraigned in Middlesex Superior Court.

The AG’s investigation revealed that Guzman, through her company New England Psychological Consultants, Inc., billed Medicaid, Medicare, and Lawrence Public Schools more than $550,000 for unlicensed mental health services.

Her twin sister, Nina Tischer, through her company PsychSupport, Inc., billed a division of UMass Medical School more than $30,000 for unlicensed psychological examinations. Neither sister is a licensed psychologist, a legal requirement for practicing psychology in Massachusetts. 

Through their corporations, both located in Lowell, the sisters provided bilingual psychological services to Medicaid and Medicare members in the greater-Lowell and greater-Lawrence areas, performed mental health disability evaluations for the Department of Transitional Assistance and the state’s Medicaid program (MassHealth), and assessed children for learning disabilities for Lawrence Public Schools. 

The investigation of Guzman began when a licensed psychologist reported to the AG’s Office that Guzman’s company had used her name and license number without permission to bill a Medicaid managed care organization more than $430,000. 

Additional investigation by the AG’s Office and federal agents from the Office of the Inspector General for Health and Human Services revealed that Guzman also used the name, license and other identifying information of a second psychologist to bill the managed care organization and the federal Medicare program more than $60,000 of services that the psychologist did not provide. 

Guzman also billed the Lawrence Public School system more than $60,000 of psychological evaluations of students in special education programs. The evaluations were performed by Guzman or Tischer. State regulations require that any such evaluations be performed by a licensed psychologist. 

The investigation of Tischer began when a licensed social worker reported the unauthorized use of her name and license by Tischer’s company, PsychSupport. Tischer used the social worker’s name and credentials to bill a division of UMass Medical School for disability examinations of people applying for Medicaid benefits or financial assistance from the Department of Transitional Assistance. Tischer billed UMass more than $8,000 for those evaluations.   

Two additional professionals, a licensed mental health counselor and a licensed psychologist, also reported the unauthorized use of their names and licensing information by Tischer. The investigation revealed that Tischer billed UMass more than $30,000 for disability evaluations purportedly performed by the three professionals. 

This case was handled by Assistant Attorney General Casey Groff of the AG’s Medicaid Fraud Division. It was investigated by Investigator Eric Panicucci, also of the AG’s Medicaid Fraud Division, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, State Police assigned to the AG’s Office, and officials from the Division of Professional Licensure. The Wright County Minnesota Sheriff’s Office and Wright County Attorney’s Office also assisted in this case.