In an open letter printed in the Minnesota Star Tribune, Larkin Hoffman Attorney Matthew Bergeron implored state lawmakers to think about small and rural healthcare service providers as legislators consider making changes at the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). DHS has faced increasing pressure from lawmakers amid fraud cases identified by federal investigators that many contend DHS missed.

In the public letter, Bergeron said DHS’ operational practices have blurred the line between investigating abuse and clerical errors, and it is hurting small, culturally specific and rural health service providers in Minnesota.

“There is a difference between fraud and administrative error,” said Bergeron. “While the federal government is rooting out fraud, DHS, through its practices, seems more focused on policing clerical mistakes.”

Bergeron wrote about working with several small clinics faced with a DHS investigation. He contends some of these investigations have lasted a year or more, forcing the clinic to shut down and leaving clients scrambling to find alternative care, and resulted in no administrative action or sanctions being pursued.

“While DHS should be able to suspend payments while investigating potential fraud, it is important to ensure providers have access to due process,” said Bergeron.

Click here to read Bergeron’s full article in the Minnesota Star Tribune.