Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin has lauded the achievements of his office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU), highlighting its exceptional performance in combating abuse and neglect crimes against elderly and disabled individuals.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Units Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report, Arkansas ranked fourth in the nation for total convictions related to abuse and neglect.
In a statement released by Attorney General Griffin, he emphasized the MFCU’s significant accomplishments. During Federal Fiscal Year 2023, the MFCU investigated and prosecuted 13 cases resulting in convictions. Arkansas surpassed larger states such as California and New York in total convictions despite having fewer resources.
Attorney General Griffin commended the dedication and diligence of his office’s MFCU team, particularly Senior Assistant Attorney General Sharon Strong and Assistant Attorney General Gabby Davis-Jones, who prosecuted all 13 cases leading to convictions.
The MFCU’s primary mission is to combat Medicaid fraud and protect vulnerable populations in Arkansas, including long-term care facility residents.
The unit operates by investigating and prosecuting violations of state and federal laws involving Medicaid providers, as well as instances of abuse or neglect within long-term care facilities.
Attorney General Griffin’s acknowledgment of the MFCU’s accomplishments underscores the commitment of his office to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable individuals and holding perpetrators of abuse and neglect accountable.
The ranking achieved by Arkansas in the HHS report serves as a testament to the effective utilization of resources and the dedication of the MFCU team in upholding the integrity of Medicaid services and protecting those in need across the state.