UC Settles Falsified Health Records Suit for $1.2M; Whistleblower to Get $120K

The University of California has agreed to pay a $1.2 million settlement to resolve allegations of falsification of medical records and poor supervision of patients, the Los Angeles Times reported yesterday.

The suit was brought by whistleblower Dr. Dennis O’Connor, a former professor of anesthesiology at the UC Irvine School of Medicine.  He alleged that anesthesia was administered to patients by nurse anesthetists and residents without the required supervision by an anesthesiologist.  The university medical center also allegedly filled out patient care reports before procedures began, making it appear as though an anesthesiologist was present when one was not.

Dr. O’Connor will receive $120,000 of the settlement; the rest will go to the federal government.

The Chanler Group, in association with the Hirst Law Group, represents whistleblowers who take action under the False Claims Act to report fraud committed against the federal and state governments.  We have years of experience representing whistleblower clients who expose every kind of fraud against the government, including health care fraud, contract fraud, and tax fraud.  Read more about our expertise in False Claims Act cases and how you can take action.