TULSA, Okla. (AP) - Federal prosecutors have named a public trust administering ambulance services in Oklahoma, as well as its director, in a civil complaint regarding an alleged kickback scheme.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Texas Monday, claims that a Texas hospital and ambulance provider entered into a $20 million kickback scheme to obtain and keep a profitable public ambulance services contract. The contract was awarded by the Emergency Medical Services Authority and its director Stephen Williamson.
Prosecutors say the defendants allegedly created a slush fund controlled by East Texas Medical Center Regional Health Services and Paramedics Plus that was used to pay the kickbacks. The fund allegedly paid for EMSA gifts, spa treatments, political contributions and travel costs.
The suit claims the “pay to play” scheme violates anti-kickback statutes and the False Claims Act. Prosecutors are seeking to recover damages for Medicare and Medicaid payments made to EMSA.
Paramedics Plus President Ron Schwartz said the company plans to fight the accusations and expects to be vindicated. Williamson has previously denied any knowledge of whether Paramedics Plus made any political contributions in Oklahoma.
EMSA released a statement saying the case is not related to its quality of care.
“EMSA makes every effort to adhere to applicable rules, regulations and laws. EMSA has earned a reputation of providing Oklahomans with excellent ambulance service and looks forward to continuing our mission long after this issue is resolved,” EMSA said.
The Emergency Medical Services Authority provides ambulance service to more than 1.1 million residents in central and northeast Oklahoma.
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Information from: Tulsa World, https://www.tulsaworld.com
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