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LONG ISLAND---The Long Island-based Crossings Recovery Centers has been fined $6.9 million by the state Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (OASAS) for infractions of patient care and patterns of repeated regulatory violations.
"Governor Pataki has significantly strengthened the ability of OASAS to fight waste, fraud and abuse by providers funded by Medicaid," said Acting OASAS Commissioner Shari Noonan. "The action taken against Crossings confirms that the Governor and OASAS are taking their anti-fraud efforts seriously. The number and scope of Crossing' violations, including failure to appropriately determine patient needs for chemical dependence treatment, lack of medical coverage and required clinical staff, and failure to provide individual counseling call into question the legitimacy of the Crossings chemical dependence services."
In addition to assessing a fine of $6,920,500 against Crossings, based upon 174 violations committed by the Long Island-based provider, OASAS has determined to revoke all nine of Crossings' OASAS operating certificates.
OASAS has asked the Attorney General to seek a judicial receivership of the Crossings clinics to ensure the continuity of patient treatment during the closure of the clinics. In addition, OASAS has issued a Cease and Desist Order against Crossings, prohibiting them from providing chemical dependence treatment services at four of their sober homes.
Acting Commissioner Noonan continued, "OASAS will take whatever action is necessary to shut down substandard programs that repeatedly violate clinical standards and negatively affect patient care. Crossings dramatic increase in violations between 2003 to 2005 compels the revocation of its operating certificates and its eligibility to participate in the Medicaid system."
The Long Island community expressed concerns to OASAS regarding Crossings sober homes and the quality of life there for patients of Crossings Recovery Center. After an extensive review, it was determined that Crossings sober homes were providing chemical dependence services, which require an OASAS license. Immediately, OASAS issued Cease and Desist Orders to the sober homes informing them that they must immediately stop providing chemical dependence services which, under the New York State Mental Hygiene Law, must be licensed by OASAS.
OASAS is working closely with the Suffolk and Nassau County Mental Health Services to prepare the approximately 1,100 patients affected by this compliance action for the eventual transition to a new outpatient provider. The agencies will be assessing patient health care needs, and placing them in programs that best suit their individual treatment needs.
http://www.oasas.state.ny.us/pio/documents/crossingsaction.pdf
1-26-06
© 2005 North
Country Gazette
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