Category: Healthcare

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Winning bidder on state Medicaid contract wants its full bid kept secret

Gary Dickson

OptumRx, a company awarded a state contract for managed-care services in Iowa, is seeking to block the state from disclosing certain information in its bid, claiming it as a trade secret. The information includes employee and client management, customer references, and project management details. MedImpact, a competing company, is seeking the unredacted bid. Continue reading Winning bidder on state Medicaid contract wants its full bid kept secret

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‘Next time I’ll give you a black eye:’ Homes cited for abuse, sexual exploitation

Gary Dickson

The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing found abuse at Good Samaritan Home in Holstein and Living Center West in Des Moines. The Living Center West failed to prevent the sexual exploitation of a resident, while the Good Samaritan Home’s video footage showed a CNA abusing a resident with dementia. Other nursing homes were also cited for abuse. Continue reading ‘Next time I’ll give you a black eye:’ Homes cited for abuse, sexual exploitation

Government, Healthcare4 Comments

‘This is scandalous:’ Auditor asked to examine $10.7 million owed to taxpayers

Gary Dickson

Iowa nursing home companies owe over $10.7 million in unpaid fees, with one company’s executives making significant political donations. The state lacks enforcement authority to collect these fees, leading to concerns about misuse of Medicaid reimbursement funds. Advocates are calling for an investigation to ensure proper use of additional revenue and to address the industry’s lack of compliance. Continue reading ‘This is scandalous:’ Auditor asked to examine $10.7 million owed to taxpayers

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State lifts prescription requirement for wheelchair repair through Medicaid

Gary Dickson

Iowans using wheelchairs through the state Medicaid program will no longer need a prescription and in-person doctor visit for repairs, after advocacy by State Rep. Josh Turek prompted a policy change. These delays caused by the prescription requirement kept some Iowans with disabilities homebound for significant periods. Turek also plans to advocate for faster repair authorization processes in the future. Continue reading State lifts prescription requirement for wheelchair repair through Medicaid

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Iowa nursing homes owe taxpayers $10.7 million in unpaid fees

Gary Dickson

49 Iowa nursing homes owe taxpayers over $10.7 million in unpaid fees, utilized to boost Medicaid reimbursements. Some for-profit companies, like one in West Des Moines, owe substantial amounts while their executives make political donations. Amid the non-payment issue, questions arise about frontline caregivers’ pay increases. State action and bankruptcy filings underscore the complexity of the situation. Continue reading Iowa nursing homes owe taxpayers $10.7 million in unpaid fees

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Judge finds nursing home worker was fired for being honest with inspectors

Gary Dickson

In a recent case, an Iowa nursing home worker was fired for being honest with inspectors. The worker revealed issues the employer didn’t want disclosed, leading to immediate termination. Similarly, another worker was fired for allegedly instructing a colleague to lie to state inspectors. These incidents resulted in unemployment hearings, with some workers being awarded benefits while others were denied. Lawton Bronson School and Hegg Memorial employees also had cases reviewed recently. Continue reading Judge finds nursing home worker was fired for being honest with inspectors

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Judge finds that Board of Medicine withheld information from accused doctor

Gary Dickson

A judge ruled that Iowa licensing officials failed to provide all necessary information to a physician accused of incompetence. Dr. Giovanni Ciuffo faced charges of professional incompetence and misleading representation. A judge stayed the proceedings due to the board’s failure to consider Ciuffo’s arguments for a continuance. Another physician, Hamza Alsayouf, also took the Board of Medicine to court for failing to provide complete information. Continue reading Judge finds that Board of Medicine withheld information from accused doctor

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Nurse fights abuse ruling, says Mucinex overdose sparked satanic hallucinations

Gary Dickson

Nurse Ryan Tagge seeks judicial review after being placed on Iowa’s child abuse registry for allegedly endangering a 1-year-old relative. Tagge’s lawyers claim he hallucinated after taking medication and thought his wife was the devil, leading to an incident where he held onto the child and allegedly shook her. Tagge faces potential consequences for his nursing career. Continue reading Nurse fights abuse ruling, says Mucinex overdose sparked satanic hallucinations

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Iowa’s licensing boards shut off access to information on charges

Gary Dickson

Iowa’s licensing boards may now keep secret the alleged misconduct tied to charges of professional incompetence, ethical violations, patient abuse, and criminal convictions, restricting public access to information. Disclosure of charges against practitioners has been greatly limited since October 2021, following a ruling by the Iowa Supreme Court to keep investigative information confidential until final rulings. This has led to inconsistencies in public disclosure by various licensing boards, prompting concerns about transparency and access to information. Continue reading Iowa’s licensing boards shut off access to information on charges

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Police: Therapist charged with sex abuse has a ‘long history of complaints’

Gary Dickson

A 75-year-old therapist, Martin W. Wallace, has been charged with sexually abusing a 13-year-old patient in Iowa. The therapist has a history of misconduct complaints, including alleged inappropriate behavior with clients and unauthorized use of cameras. Following the criminal charges, his license was suspended, and he awaits trial. (Word count: 50) Continue reading Police: Therapist charged with sex abuse has a ‘long history of complaints’