Attorney General's News Release

February 1, 2000

Nixon files lawsuit against Marshall psychologist for allegedly filing false Medicaid claims

Marshall, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon on Monday filed a lawsuit in Saline County Circuit Court against a Marshall psychologist who Nixon said filed false claims in order to collect payments from the state Medicaid program.

The lawsuit states that on numerous occasions between February 1997 and February 1999, psychologist Tom L. Hartline submitted claims for individual therapy, family therapy and other services which he did not provide. The lawsuit also claims Hartline breached his contract with the state Division of Medical Services and unjustly enriched himself at the expense of the Missouri Medicaid program.

Nixon is asking the court to order Hartline to pay at least $24,000 in damages, or three times the damages incurred by the state and federal governments as a result of the false claims. Nixon also is asking the court to order Hartline to pay appropriate civil penalties and court and investigative costs, and for the court to cancel Hartline's agreement with the state.

The case was investigated and the lawsuit filed by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Attorney General's Office.

In March 1998, Marshall psychologist Millard Mann was sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted on five felony charges of stealing by deceit and making a false statement to receive a health care payment.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818