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AG’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit Partners With Prosecutors To Combat Drug Diversion By Health Care Professionals

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Recent criminal convictions of health care professionals on drug diversion charges demonstrate the continued success of partnerships between Attorney General Curtis Hill’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) and local prosecutors.

The MFCU regularly investigates reports of potential narcotic drug diversion by health care workers. It works to bring to justice those who take advantage of their access to controlled substances by stealing narcotic drugs intended for patients living in nursing homes and other board-and-care facilities. When MFCU investigators identify criminal activity, they present that information to local prosecutors. Increasingly, these prosecutors have been utilizing a provision of Indiana law that allows them to refer cases back to the MFCU to handle the criminal prosecution as well.

“My commitment to the fight against narcotic drug diversion has been enhanced by the partnership we’ve established with the Attorney General’s MFCU,” said Shelby County Prosecutor Brad Landwerlen. “The fact that the same unit that is already familiar with the evidence and the witnesses is able to provide attorney manpower and other resources to seamlessly proceed with the criminal case is a win-win for our community. It increases efficiency and frees up my staff to work on other cases.”

Landwerlen has referred four cases back to the MFCU over the last few years, each resulting in a criminal conviction. Most recently, on Feb. 6, Carolann Oliphant, a former employee of Major Hospital in Shelbyville, pleaded guilty in Shelby County Circuit Court to three felony counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, deceit or subterfuge. She will serve a 3-year sentence that includes payment of restitution of $3,170.98 to the hospital and community service work. Her cooperation with the investigation earned her the opportunity to have her felonies reduced to misdemeanors if she completes her terms without violations.

The MFCU also obtained a conviction on Feb. 6 for Melissa Smith, a Qualified Medication Assistant (QMA) who worked at The Village of Avon nursing home in Hendricks County. That conviction followed a referral for prosecution by Hendricks County Prosecutor Loren Delp. Smith pleaded guilty to four felony counts of failing to make, keep or furnish a record, after an audit of her paperwork revealed that she took 266 pills that remained unaccounted for, including Norco, Hydromorphone and Oxycodone. Smith will serve a two-year sentence with terms including 120 hours of community service work and substance abuse treatment. Smith will also have a chance to have her felonies reduced to misdemeanors after a year, provided she complies with the terms of her agreement.

“I am proud of the efforts of our MFCU team to investigate and prosecute cases against health care providers who violate the community’s trust and the high standards of their profession,” said Attorney General Hill. “We are pleased to partner with other law enforcement agencies and local prosecutors in the fight to stop drug diversion and protect vulnerable citizens living in nursing homes, assisted-living facilities and group homes throughout Indiana.”

If you want to report possible drug diversion by a health care worker, you may contact the Attorney General’s MFCU online or at 1-800-382-1039.

New Tech Institute To Host STEM Fest

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Hands on activities and exhibits will be the highlights of the New Tech Institute’s STEM Fest. The Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Fest is Saturday, February 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at New Tech Institute, located at 1901 Lynch Rd. The event is free and open to the public.
At the event, students and families will participate in hands-on activities and exhibits designed to explore, create, make and learn more about exciting opportunities in STEM areas.

USI Hosts Trevecca To Start 2020 Homestand Eagles To Honor 2007 Team Saturday

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The University of Southern Indiana baseball team is set to host Trevecca Nazarene University to start the 2020 home schedule and a six-game homestand Friday. The first pitch Friday is 2 p.m., while Saturday’s doubleheader is slated for 1 p.m. Prior to Saturday’s doubleheader, USI will honor the 2007 NCAA II World Series squad.

The six-game home concludes the following weekend, February 27-29, when eighth-ranked Ashland University visits the USI Baseball Field.

Coverage of the Screaming Eagles baseball games this season can be found on GoUSIEagles.com.

SCREAMING EAGLES BASEBALL NOTES #2:

Eagles goes 1-2 in opening series. USI opened the 2020 campaign with a 1-2 in a three-game series with Davenport University. The Eagles got off on the right foot with an 8-6 victory before dropping the second half of the opening doubleheader, 10-1, and the series finale, 14-4. Freshman outfielder Austin Moody and sophomore catcher/infielder Lucas McNew led the Eagle hitters with four hits each, while Moody had a team-best four RBI.

On the mound to start the year. Senior right-hander Tyler Hagedorn picked up the first victory of the year in relief in the opener. Hadgedorn went three innings in relief of senior right-hander Austin Gossmann, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks. He also struck out three.

National Championship always the goal for Eagles. The Eagles have made a habit of competing in the NCAA II Championship over the last 13 seasons. USI has made eight NCAA II Midwest Regional appearances; won five Midwest Region crowns (2007, 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018); and captured the NCAA II National Championship twice (2010, 2014). The USI program tied for third in the 2007 NCAA II National Championship series, while finishing fifth in 2016 and eighth in 2018.

Archuleta at USI. USI Head Coach Tracy Archuleta is USI’s all-time winningest coach with a record of 477-259 in 13-plus seasons and is 625-383 in 18-plus seasons all-time as a head coach. He has been named the ABCA Division II Coach of the Year twice (2010 and 2014) after leading the Screaming Eagles to a pair of national championships and the ABCA Division II Midwest Region Coach of the Year after leading USI to the regional crown in 2007, 2016 and 2018. Archuleta also has earned a pair of GLVC Coach of the Year awards (2011 and 2014) at USI.

Eagles vs. Trevecca. USI has a 4-3 all-time series lead over Trevecca after taking splitting a pair of games with the Trojans last spring in Nashville, Tennessee. The Eagles took the first game in 16 innings, 3-2, behind 4.2 innings of relief work by senior right-hander Paul Perez and an RBI sacrifice fly by junior outfielder Bryce Krizan in the final frame, but drop a 4-3 decision the next day.

Trevecca in 2020. Trevecca is 3-3 to start the 2020 campaign, taking one of three from Montevallo University to open the season and two-of-three from Northwood University.

EPA at 50: Progress in Providing Safe Drinking Water

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This month, as part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 50th anniversary, the agency is celebrating progress in protecting America’s waters. This week highlights progress made by the agency—in partnership with states, local communities and drinking water systems—in ensuring access to safe drinking water across our country.

“Before EPA was established in 1970, more than 40 percent of our nation’s drinking water systems failed to meet even the most basic health standards,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Dave Ross. “Today, 92 percent of the population is served by community water systems that meet all health-based standards. EPA is proud of the significant progress made in providing access to safe drinking water for all Americans.”

EPA actions support clean drinking water from source to tap, including by protecting our nation’s source waters, setting drinking water standards, and protecting children from exposure to lead in drinking water. One way the agency supports source water protection and access to safe drinking water is by providing financing and funding for critical water infrastructure. For example, EPA’s decades-long commitment to the State Revolving Funds has helped provide $180 billion in project financing to over 41,000 water quality infrastructure projects and 15,000 drinking water projects across the country. These long-running programs are complemented by recently enacted funding programs, including Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act grants and Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loans. Together, these programs provide powerful and innovative funding solutions for major water infrastructure projects that support safe drinking water across the country.

The agency also sets drinking water standards to protect public health. Today, EPA has drinking water standards for more than 90 contaminants, including microorganisms, disinfectants, disinfection byproducts, inorganic and organic chemicals, and radionuclides. The agency continues to review new contaminants to determine if emerging contaminants should be regulated. For example, EPA sent the next proposed regulatory determination required by the Safe Drinking Water Act to the Office of Management and Budget for interagency review on December 3, 2019, which includes a scientific review of unregulated contaminants, including PFOA and PFOS.

Finally, a priority for the agency is protecting children from lead in drinking water. While the U.S. has made tremendous progress in lowering children’s blood lead levels, some children are still exposed to high levels of lead. Last year, under the Trump Administration’s Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures, EPA proposed revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) to significantly improve the actions that water systems must take to reduce lead in the nation’s drinking water. This action, which EPA anticipates finalizing in 2020, represents the first major overhaul of the LCR in over two decades.

VANDERBURGH COUNTY MARRIAGE LICENSES ISSUED

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VANDERBURGH COUNTY MARRIAGE LICENSES ISSUED

NewspaperReport

Call DOR on Thursdays for Quickest Service

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DOR’s call volume reduced on Wednesdays and Thursdays

Need to call the Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) to figure out a tax issue? Try Thursdays.

While DOR’s customer service specialists are here to help any weekday during this busy time of year, the day with the lowest call volume is Thursday, followed by Wednesday.

Need to call sooner? DOR suggests calling early in the day. Customers who call between 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday, often experience lower wait times.

“Providing best-in-class customer service to Hoosiers is a top priority for the DOR team,” commented DOR Commissioner Bob Grennes. “Sharing the best days and times to call is just another way we strive to provide high-quality service and improve the customer experience.”

Customers with questions about individual income tax, may call DOR Customer Service at 317-232-2240, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., EST.

Customers also have additional options to contact DOR including:

  • Visit a DOR office – get assistance from customer service specialists in one of DOR’s 12 district office locations throughout the state during the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., local time.
  • Email DOR – send an email. All questions are addressed within four business days. The form to send an email is available at dor.in.gov/3392.htm.
  • Follow DOR on social media– search @INRevenue on all social media platforms to find the latest DOR news, updates, helpful customer tips and get questions answered on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn.

DOR strives for continuous improvement of all programs and processes.  If a customer has feedback or has trouble finding an answer to their question, it is encouraged they submit their feedback using DOR’s online customer feedback portal at dor.in.gov/6404.htm.

For more information on the individual income tax season, visit DOR’s website at dor.in.gov.

Indiana students to get free FAFSA filing help at Ivy Tech Feb. 23

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Financial aid professionals will be volunteering on Feb. 23 at Ivy Tech Community College Evansville Campus, to help college-bound students and their families open the door to financial aid during College Goal Sunday. The event will be conducted in the Carter Library at Ivy Tech, 3501 N. First Avenue, and is planned for 2 p.m.

The free program assists Indiana students in filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA form is required for students to be considered for federal and state grants, scholarships and student loans at most colleges, universities and vocational/technical schools nationwide. The FAFSA MUST be filed by April 15 to be eligible for Indiana financial aid. College Goal Sunday is so important since completing this required form correctly and by the deadline is sometimes perceived to be complicated and time consuming. In less than one afternoon at a College Goal Sunday event, students and their families can get free help and file the form online.

Now in its 31st year, College Goal Sunday has helped more than 94,000 Indiana students and families complete the FAFSA properly and on time. College Goal Sunday is a charitable program of the Indiana Student Financial Aid Association (ISFAA).

College Goal Sunday Doubles the Help Offered

“The event on Feb. 23 will be the second College Goal Sunday ISFAA is offering this FAFSA filing season.” said Bill Wozniak, co-chair of College Goal Sunday. “We hope all Hoosiers who have not filed already, take advantage of College Goal Sunday events across Indiana, file the FAFSA, and get one step closer to fulfilling their educational goals.”

According to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, programs like College Goal Sunday are reaching first-generation college students. In recent years, according to CHE statistics, more single-parent Hoosier families have filed for financial aid, indicating programs like College Goal Sunday are reaching high-risk students and their families.

“Students who don’t complete their financial aid paperwork properly and on time are often very disappointed when they find out how much financial aid they lost,” said Wozniak. “This is why the Indiana Student Financial Aid Association not only continues to provide College Goal Sunday, but offers two events during the year. If our assistance gives students a better chance at higher education and less debt, we’re fulfilling our mission.”

What students should bring

Students should attend College Goal Sunday with their parent(s) or guardian(s), and parents’ should bring completed 2018 IRS 1040 tax returns, W-2 Forms and other 2018 income and benefits information. Students who worked last year should bring their income information as well. Students 24 years of age or older may attend alone and bring their own completed 2018 IRS 1040 tax return, W-2 Form or other 2018 income and benefits information. Students and parents are encouraged to apply for their U.S. Department of Education FSA IDs at fsaid.ed.gov before coming to the event.

Volunteers will walk through the online form line-by-line and answer families’ individual questions as needed. All sites offer FAFSA online capabilities and many have Spanish interpreters. A complete list of sites is available at CollegeGoalSunday.org.

Attendees may win educational prizes

Students may also win one of five $1000 scholarships. Students who attend any of the College Goal Sunday sites and submit a completed evaluation form will automatically be entered in a drawing for a $1000 scholarship. The winners will be notified in March, and prizes will be sent directly to the higher education institution selected by the winning students.

 21st Century Scholars benefit

21st Century Scholars are income-eligible students who sign a contract in the seventh or eighth grade promising they will graduate from high school, meet grade point requirements, fulfill a pledge of good citizenship, and apply for college financial aid. Upon high school graduation, Scholars who have fulfilled the commitment receive state funds to help cover their college tuition and fees for eight semesters at eligible Indiana colleges. To fulfill their pledge, scholars must submit a completed FAFSA form on time. College Goal Sunday can help.

Program is a national model

College Goal Sunday originated right here in Indiana and is now a national model. Following Indiana’s example, College Goal Sunday events organized by more than 34 states have opened doors to higher education for hundreds of thousands of students all over the country.

 

 

ADOPT A PET

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Boots is a 1-year-old female orange & white cat. She has a sister named Fluffy. Both girls are currently adoptable at River Kitty Cat Café in downtown Evansville. She has lived with other cats, children, and dogs before! Her adoption fee is $40 and includes her spay, microchip, vaccines, and more. Contact Vanderburgh Humane at (812) 426-2563 or adoptions@vhslifesaver.org for details!

AG Curtis Hill: Creation of ‘negotiation class’ in opioid litigation infringes upon state sovereignty

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Attorney General Curtis Hill is asking a federal appeals court to protect states’ sovereignty in connection with lawsuits against drug companies.

On February 14, Attorney General Hill and 12 other attorneys general filed a bipartisan amicus brief seeking the reversal of a U.S. district court’s order that undermines the ability of states to negotiate a comprehensive opioid settlement.

More than 2,000 political subdivisions across the country have filed individual lawsuits seeking damages for public injuries caused by the opioid crisis. In September 2019, a district court certified a “negotiation class” that lumps together all of the individual entities into one class and expands the class to cover cities, counties and towns across the country.

Such an arrangement, created by judicial fiat, ignores states’ internal governing structures, Attorney General Hill said.

“Resolving the various complaints against drug makers and other entities that have contributed to the opioid crisis is a complex undertaking,” Attorney General Hill said. “But it does not justify extralegal measures that tread upon the rightful authority of the individual states.”

No grant of legislative or constitutional authority permitted the district court to certify the “negotiation class,” the brief states, and the attorneys general are better suited to coordinate with other states and negotiate a comprehensive settlement that will provide for all citizens rather than just specific political subdivisions.

Under the Constitution, the states themselves, not the federal courts, determine what their political subdivisions are empowered to do. By permitting a national class of local governments to settle claims that they have no state-law authority to litigate, the district court has created an alternative to state government. In separating these political subdivisions from state jurisdiction, the brief argues, the district court has invaded state sovereignty. Additionally, if the certified class succeeds in reaching a settlement, it will inflict more damage on states by diverting opioid-settlement funds to certain political subdivisions and away from the states.

Currently, the Office of the Indiana Attorney General has ongoing litigation against entities that have contributed to the opioid crisis and is already seeking restitution for the public.

HOT JOBS IN EVANSVILLE

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Full Time Receptionist/Clerical Assistant
Data Mail, Inc. – Evansville, IN
$10.00 – $11.50 an hour
Hours are Monday thru Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm. We are looking to fill a long term full time receptionist/clerical assistant position.
Easily apply
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Administrative/HR Coordinator
Indiana University 4.2/5 rating   408 reviews  – Evansville, IN
This supervision will include review and oversight of travel administration, student administration, faculty support, scheduling meetings, transcription and…
Feb 17
Secretary to High School Principal
Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation 3.7/5 rating   56 reviews  – Evansville, IN
$17.35 an hour
It is scheduled 5 days per week at 8 hours per day. Our people are the single most important asset we have in the EVSC. This position works 47 weeks per year.
Feb 14
Administrative Assistant
No More Problems Pool Service/AquaVida Pools – Evansville, IN
$29,000 a year
Please send salary requirements along with your job application. We are searching for an enthusiastic Administrative Assistant to join our team!
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Feb 14
Administrative Assistant
Frontier-Kemper Constructors, Inc. – Evansville, IN
Frontier-Kemper Constructors, Inc., a leader in heavy civil construction and underground construction, is seeking an experienced Administrative Assistant to…
Feb 14
Clerk, Physician Office (Klutey Park) 40 hours/week Days
Methodist Hospital 3.6/5 rating   58 reviews  – Henderson, KY
To provide efficient and quality clerical support for the physician office practice. Serves patients in the medical practice via telephone and in office by…
Feb 15
Accounts Payable Clerk/Receptionist
Frontier-Kemper Constructors, Inc. – Evansville, IN
Frontier-Kemper Constructors, Inc., a leader in heavy civil construction and underground construction in North America and Canada, is seeking experienced…
Feb 12
Office Assistant – Pediatrics
St. Vincent, IN 3.7/5 rating   5,121 reviews  – Evansville, IN
Office Assistant – Pediatrics – Full-Time, Days – St. Vincent Medical Group Hebron Pediatrics – Evansville, IN. As a Office Operations Assistant with St.
Feb 14
Administrative Assistant for Academic Advising
Ivy Tech Community College 4.1/5 rating   898 reviews  – Evansville, IN
Academic Advising/Academic Support, Administrative/Professional, Office/Clerical, Student Affairs/Student Services. Provide BANNER data entry when needed.
Feb 12
Office Assistant – Occupational Medicine
St. Vincent, IN 3.7/5 rating   5,121 reviews  – Evansville, IN
Office Assistant – Occupational Medicine – Full-Time, Days – St. Vincent Medical Group Northside Crossing – Evansville, IN. High school diploma or GED required.
Feb 14
Patient Access Receptionist (Call Center)
Orthopaedic Associates 3.9/5 rating   55 reviews  – Newburgh, IN
This is a full-time position with hours typically Monday – Friday, 8am – 4:30pm. Must have excellent work habits, including a willingness to work the necessary…
Easily apply
Feb 14
Receptionist
Regional Health Care Affiliates, Inc.-Health First CHC – Henderson, KY
Applicant must possess excellent communication and computer skills, be detail oriented and proven ability to multi-task. On the job training provided.
Easily apply
Feb 11
Medical Receptionist/Medical Assistant
ADVANCED VISION ASSOCIATES – Evansville, IN
Front desk receptionist/medical assistant for busy east side Ophthalmology office. Must have good communication skills, a pleasant disposition and be able to…
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Feb 14
Medical Receptionist/Front Desk
Evansville Primary Care 4/5 rating   9 reviews  – Evansville, IN
$10.00 – $14.50 an hour
This is a full time position, with hours of 7a.m.-4p.m., or 8a.m.-5p.m., Monday-Friday. We are seeking a motivated individual to join our team!
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Feb 12
Administrative Assistant, College of Liberal Arts – N20014N1
University of Southern Indiana 4.2/5 rating   109 reviews  – Evansville, IN
$11.62 an hour
The University of Southern Indiana’s College of Liberal Arts seeks an outstanding individual to join the College as an Administrative Assistant.
Feb 14
Receptionist
Adorable Pooches Palace – Evansville, IN
$7.50 – $9.00 an hour
Looking for a motivated and friendly addition to our team! Adorable Pooches Palace is a large facility on the East Side of Evansville that offers overnight…
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Feb 12
Front Desk Clerk (EVVAP)
Hampton Inn Airport 3.8/5 rating   7,418 reviews  – Evansville, IN
$11 an hour
The Front Desk Clerk/Guest Service Representative is responsible for contributing to customer satisfaction by providing courteous and efficient service…
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Feb 11
Front Desk Associate
Kings Great Buys Plus 3.3/5 rating   6 reviews  – Evansville, IN
$8.50 – $10.00 an hour
A job for which military experienced candidates are encouraged to apply. This position is a point of contact for customers, vendors, and partners.
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Feb 11
Front Desk Associate
Courtyard by Marriott Evansville East – Evansville, IN
$10.00 – $10.50 an hour
Handle incoming reservations and phone calls. Assist hotel guests with Checking in/out. Cash handling and computer skills a must.
Easily apply
Feb 13
Medical Office Assistant
Deaconess Health System 3.7/5 rating   461 reviews  – Evansville, IN
Maintains positive patient oriented services in the provision of medical office services to the patient, family members, visitors and physicians in the office…
Feb 13
Front Desk Receptionist
Confidential – Evansville, IN
FT Front Deck Receptionist. Medical office. Fast paced office. Communication and teamwork a must. Able to multi-task. Prefer medical office experience x 1 year…
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Crop Insurance Clerical Support Admin
CGB Enterprises Inc 3.5/5 rating   116 reviews  – Mount Vernon, IN
This position provides support to our sales office providing clerical administrative assistance to our sales agents and sales support staff.
Sponsored
Part-Time Administrative Receptionist (25 Hours Per Week)
Sunset Funeral Home, Cremation Center & Cemetery 3.7/5 rating   9 reviews  – Evansville, IN
$15 an hour
Sunset Funeral Home, Cremation Center & Cemetery is seeking a _*part-time*. Part-time, with 25 hours weekly, Monday through Friday.
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