OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Mike Hunter today announced that a $300,000 settlement stemming from a lawsuit, alleging an illegal kickback scheme has been reached with Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) board of trustees.
Attorney General Hunter said settling the case was important in order to avoid disruption in ambulance services to Oklahomans relying on EMSA.
“Today’s settlement was in the best interest of the more than 1.1 million Oklahomans who rely on the services provided by EMSA,” Attorney General Mike Hunter said. “Prolonging the litigation would inevitably incur more expense for the state and EMSA and could have life or death ramifications for individuals who find themselves needing emergency transport.
“It is important to note that the $300,000 settlement is based on EMSA’s ability to pay. Moreover, it represents EMSA’s acceptance of responsibility for the oversight deficits that resulted in the misuse of Medicaid and Medicare funds."
According to its website, eight of the 11 members of the EMSA Board of Trustees are appointed by the Cities of Tulsa and Oklahoma City. One member represents the Tulsa-area suburbs and another represents the western division non-beneficiary jurisdictions. The medical director also has a position on the EMSA Board of Trustees.
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