Arizona Senator Theresa Hatathlie leads a crackdown on fraudulent rehab facilities, addressing Medicaid fraud and exploitation of Native Americans.
Senate Bill 1655, championed by Senator Hatathlie, has cleared the Senate with unanimous approval and is now making its way through the House.
Strengthening Regulations
Hatathlie, representing Arizona’s 6th District and the Navajo Nation, emphasizes the urgency of passing the bill, urging constituents to rally behind it.
The proposed legislation aims to establish stricter regulations, introducing measures to ensure accountability and deter criminal activity in rehab facilities. Hatathlie asserts that the passage of Senate Bill 1655 is crucial not only for addressing long-standing issues but also for signaling a stance against criminal exploitation.
This legislative push coincides with legal action taken by relatives of Native American individuals who died while in Phoenix rehab programs, alleging inadequate oversight by Arizona’s Medicaid program and Department of Health Services. Meanwhile, the state’s Attorney General’s Office is actively prosecuting numerous cases related to fraudulent billing.
Read more: Trump Sends Message To Counsel Amid Hearing Deliberations
Arizona’s Legislative Solutions
Governor Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes have intensified investigations into fraudulent Medicaid billing, uncovering significant cases of fraud and seizing millions of dollars in assets. The state’s Medicaid health plan, the American Indian Health Program, has been particularly targeted, leading to a wave of indictments and seizures.
In response to the rampant fraud, Arizona’s Health Care Cost Containment System has implemented stricter controls, including a moratorium on enrolling new behavioral health clinics for Medicaid billing.
Hatathlie’s proposed legislation seeks to impose harsher penalties for noncompliance at rehab facilities, enhance patient protections, and mandate background checks for facility employees.
Despite the backing of activists and officials of the Navajo Nation, doubts persist over the bill’s ability to adequately address all aspects of the problem, especially with relation to unregistered facilities.
Stakeholders emphasize the significance of devising all-encompassing measures to counteract fraud and safeguard susceptible individuals who are seeking addiction treatment as the legislation process progresses.
Read more: White House Gaza Policy Discussion Lacks Participation From Illinois Muslim, Arab Groups
