Columbus – LifeCare Wheelchair Transportation, Inc. (Lorain County) hired a man with a felonious assault conviction -- and 13 employees had lapses in their required first aid and/or CPR certifications that deemed them ineligible for employment -- according to an audit released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost.

“Patients should be able to feel confident they’re in good hands,” Auditor Yost said. “If that was my loved one, I’d be concerned.”

A statistical sample of 386 services provided during the period between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2012 identified 405 errors, which resulted in overpayments totaling $115,700. A separate statistical sample of 144 attendant services found 122 errors, resulting in overpayments totaling $2,899.

With interest in the amount of $8,141.90, LifeCare Wheelchair Transportation, Inc. owes the Ohio Department of Medicaid $126,740.90.

Auditors tested 25 employees and identified five who were ineligible to render services for various reasons during the entire examination period. One of the five employees was convicted of felonious assault, a disqualifying offense. An additional 13 of the 25 employees had no alcohol tests and had lapses in first aid and/or CPR certifications. Auditors determined these 13 employees were ineligible during the lapses.  Of the seven employees who were eligible for employment during the entire audit period, only one had an alcohol test, and it was completed approximately 11 months after the date of hire.

A review of 194 paid transports identified 26 transports in which certificates of medical necessity did not meet the requirements for Medicaid reimbursement. In addition, auditors identified 21 services in which the mileage reimbursed exceeded documented mileage.

A full copy of this report may be accessed online.

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The Auditor of State’s office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,800 state and local government agencies.  Under the direction of Auditor Dave Yost, the office also provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies and promotes transparency in government.