The United States has settled False Claims Act allegations against FORBA Holdings LLC, a dental management company that provides business management and administrative services to 69 clinics nationwide known as “Small Smiles Centers.” Under the agreement, FORBA will pay the United States and participating states $24 million, plus interest, to resolve allegations that it caused bills to be submitted to state Medicaid programs for medically unnecessary dental services performed on children insured by Medicaid.  FORBA also is cooperating with investigators by providing information about dentists who may have violated professional standards, according to a Jan. 20, 2010 press release by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The United States alleged that FORBA was liable for causing the submission of claims for reimbursement for a wide range of dental services provided to low-income children that were either medically unnecessary or performed in a manner that failed to meet professionally-recognized standards of care. These services included performing pulpotomies (baby root canals), placing crowns, administering anesthesia (including nitrous oxide), performing extractions, and providing fillings and/or sealants.

For the full release, go to: http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2010/January/10-civ-052.html.

For more information about qui tam law and health care fraud, contact Nolan and Auerbach, PA.