header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
September 19
1863 - Gen. Edward F. Beale loans money to A.A. Hudson and Oliver P. Robbins to erect toll house in Newhall Pass [story]
toll house


By Assemblyman Scott Wilk
| Wednesday, Oct 16, 2013
Assemblyman Scott Wilk

Assemblyman Scott Wilk

During my first year in the Legislature, I’ve experienced many unsettling actions.

Most troubling to me is the lack of transparency on how the Legislature conducts its business such as passing budget bills containing no language and circumventing the legislative process by “gutting and amending” bills on the last day of session to avoid public scrutiny.

So it should be no surprise that the Legislature drops the ball in its role of conducting oversight of other government agencies.

Recently, the Assembly Health and Accountability and Administrative Review committees held a joint hearing to evaluate the Drug Medi-Cal Program and allegations of widespread fraud.

Similar to the catastrophe Gov. Jerry Brown calls “prison realignment,” the state realigned $184 million for substance abuse treatment programs and moved funding control from the state to local governments in the hope that counties would benefit from controlling funding and directing resources.

The hearing came as a response to an investigation by the Center of Investigative Reporting (CIR) and CNN that uncovered that over the prior two fiscal years, the Drug Medi-Cal Program paid $94 million to 56 drug and alcohol rehabilitation clinics in southern California that have shown signs of deceptive or questionable billing. The hearing focused on examining the provider certification, claims payment and auditing processes within the Drug Medi-Cal Program.

Shortly after the CIR and CNN investigation, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) called for the temporary suspensions of 48 alcohol and drug treatment programs at 132 sites where plausible allegations of fraud occurred.

A vast majority of the fraudulent Drug Medi-Cal program claims came out of Los Angeles County. The false claims ranged from billing for imprisoned or deceased patients, billing for patients who were not present in sessions, and incentivizing patients with cash, food and cigarettes to attend counseling sessions. One of the most disturbing ways that Drug Medi-Cal providers received money was by busing in foster teens to substance abuse treatment sessions, when most of the foster youth did not have any substance abuse problems.

The DHCS requires each Drug Medi-Cal provider to have a licensed physician serve as medical director of the clinics, and the medical director is responsible for overall care of the patients. Shockingly, there have been news reports of a convicted felon running a drug rehabilitation clinic, which is prohibited under state law. It’s the sole responsibility of DHCS to certify providers, and they failed to provide the necessary oversight of certifying clinics.

The state has failed to manage its current Medi-Cal system, and yet we are adding nearly 1.4 million new Medi-Cal patients through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as a result of the Legislature and Gov. Brown expanding eligibility. This new expansion is not a requirement of the federal law, but an optional program the ACA offers states. This expansion is projected to increase the Medi-Cal substance abuse program by 10 percent.

If DHCS cannot adequately manage its clinics and its patients now, how do we expect them to perform when they are responsible for an additional 10 percent caseload?

Gov. Brown claims our state budget is balanced. There are two problems with his assessment:  First, Proposition 30, which is projected to raise taxes $6 billion per year, is in effect for only seven years; and, second, the state auditor recently determined the state has a negative net worth of $127.2 billion.

The Legislature needs to be more proactive at protecting taxpayer dollars. At the hearing, one of my colleagues asked the DHCS director if he had any plans to promote a whistle-blower program to prevent another travesty in the future; his answer was, “We’ll get back to you.”

It was clear to me the strategy of the DHCS officials was to apologize, take a verbal beating from legislators and then return to “business as usual.”  This is completely unacceptable. The joint committees have asked DHCS officials to report back within six months with an update on their progress in reforming the program.

I will continue to fight for greater transparency and accountability with the goal of achieving greater effectiveness and efficiency in state programs.  This benefits the clients who are served, as well as the taxpayers who pay the highest state income rate in the country.

 

Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, represents the 38th Assembly District.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

1 Comment

  1. Jason Shultz says:

    So much fraud in our state agencies. glad someone one is speaking out against this. too many people just turn a cheek when our tax $$ are being wasted!!

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Thursday, Sep 19, 2024
As my wife, Virginia, and I stroll through our magnificent city, we admire the beautiful paseos and the expansive open spaces, but what really catches our eye, is the diverse works of art at every turn.
Friday, Sep 13, 2024
As a father of three, I understand firsthand the importance of guiding our children through open communication and keeping them engaged in extracurricular activities and sports to foster their growth.
Thursday, Sep 12, 2024
You may have noticed that things look a little different around our city. Maybe you noticed the motion sensor lights at our parks, or the solar panels being installed in city parking lots.
Wednesday, Sep 11, 2024
California State  Sen. Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) is urging residents to prepare an emergency evacuation plan as the Line Fire, Bridge Fire and several other wildfires continue to pose a serious threat to High Desert and foothill communities.
Wednesday, Sep 11, 2024
As we approach the November 2024 elections, the importance of informed voting cannot be overstated. The choices we make at the ballot box will shape the future of our city, state and nation. Yet, in an era where soundbites often substitute for substantive discussion, how can voters truly grasp the complexities of the issues at hand?
Friday, Sep 6, 2024
As scorching triple-digit temperatures engulf Los Angeles County throughout the weekend and excessive heat warnings have been issued for many communities in Los Angeles County’s Fifth District, I urge residents to do their part to lessen the threat of wildfires.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
The College of the Canyons Aerospace and Science Team has received a $300,000 grant from NASA’s Mentoring and Opportunities in STEM with Academic Institutions for Community Success program.
COC Receives $300,000 NASA Grant to Expand Student Access to STEM Fields
Bring along a furry friend to the Santa Clarita Child & Family Center's Purple Walk Domestic Violence Awareness 5K on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 8-11 a.m. at the Center’s main facility 21545 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.
Oct. 5: 5K Purple Walk Dogs Against Domestic Violence
Written and directed by Braddon Mendelson, produced by Heather Mendelson, and co-produced by Olive Branch Theatricals and Noisivision Studios, "Provenance" will take stage at the The MAIN, 24266 Main Street, Santa Clarita, CA 91321, Friday through Sunday, Sept. 27-29.
Sept. 27-29: Braddon Mendelson to Present ‘Provenance’ at The MAIN
The Master's women's volleyball team opened Great Southwest Athletic Conference play on the road in Prescott, Ariz. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, defeating the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Eagles in straight sets 28-26, 25-22, 25-18.
TMU Women’s Volleyball Opens Conference Play with Road Win
College of the Canyons freshman Sahya Kitabatake shot a two-under-par round of 70 to tie for medalist honors while helping the Cougars place fourth at the Western State Conference tournament at Sterling Hills Golf Club in Camarillo on Monday, Sept. 16.
Kitabatake Medals, Canyons Women Take Fourth at Sterling Hills Golf Club
One of the city of Santa Clarita community’s most cherished parks, David March Park is set to expand, Thursday, Sept. 26, at 10 a.m., 28310 North Via Joyce Drive, Santa Clarita, CA 91350 with a groundbreaking ceremony.
Sept. 26: Community Invited to David March Park Expansion Groundbreaking
SRD Straightening Reigns, a therapeutic organization offering equine assisted psychotherapy, has been awarded $278,870 from the California State budget to improve mental health services.
California Awards $278,870 in Funding to SRD Straightening Reins
The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees appointed Carlos Guerrero to fill the board seat in Area 5, effective immediately, at its special Wednesday, Sept. 18 meeting.
COC Board of Trustees Appoints Carlos Guerrero to Area 5 Seat
California Institute of the Arts alums Alyssa Dressman Lehner and Clara Plestis captured Emmy Awards at the 76th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards.
Two Calartians Win 2024 Creative Arts Emmy Awards
Valencia High School's Choir will hold a fall concert, "Broadway, Movies & Media" at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m. at the Saugus High School Theatre, 21900 Centurion Way, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.
Sept. 26-27: Valencia High Choir Presents Fall Concert ‘Broadway, Movies & Media’
As my wife, Virginia, and I stroll through our magnificent city, we admire the beautiful paseos and the expansive open spaces, but what really catches our eye, is the diverse works of art at every turn.
Bill Miranda | Santa Clarita Arts, a Journey Through Creativity
The California Department of Public Health is encouraging all Californians to get vaccinated this season to protect themselves and loved ones from respiratory viruses.
CDPH: Stay Up to Date on Vaccines
The Friends of Santa Clarita Public Library in collaboration with Santa Clarita Valley Libraries will have a silent Book Auction beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 30, through 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 7.
Sept. 30: Public Libraries to Host Silent Book Auctions
1863 - Gen. Edward F. Beale loans money to A.A. Hudson and Oliver P. Robbins to erect toll house in Newhall Pass [story]
toll house
The Counties of Los Angeles and San Bernardino today announced the opening of multiple joint Local Assistance Centers to assist residents impacted by the Bridge and Line Fires.
Joint Assistance Centers Open for Residents Impacted by Bridge, Line Fires
Valencia Gynecology Associates, owned by longtime Santa Clarita Valley OB-GYN physician Don Nishiguchi, MD, has joined the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital network. 
Valencia Gynecology Assoc. Joins Henry Mayo Network
JCI Santa Clarita is proud to announce the upcoming Veteran’s Resource Fair, scheduled to take place on Sept. 21 at William S. Hart Park. 
Sept. 21: JCI Invites All Veterans to Upcoming Resource Fair
A "friendies" field tournament  is being  hosted by the Saugus Instrumental Music program, with support from Valencia High, later this month. 
Sept. 21: All Valley Showcase Comes to Valencia High
Public, member-supported 88.5 FM The SoCal Sound, Southern California’s leading Triple-A (adult album alternative) format radio station has announced the lineup for its inaugural “Year-End Bash” taking place on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Dec. 7: CSUN Owned 88.5-FM The SoCal Sound Announces “Year End Bash” Lineup featuring Ben Gibbard
The Master's University cross-country teams continued their successful 2024 campaigns with strong finishes at the BIOLA Invitational on Friday, Sept. 13 at Craig Regional Park in Fullerton, Calif.
TMU Women Win, Men Place Second at XC Invitational
Sheriff’s Department Announces New Law Enforcement Gang Policy
LASD Announces New Policy on Law Enforcement Gangs
The biology department at California State University, Northridge has stayed committed to promoting STEM research carried out by K-12 students and teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
CSUN Student Research Journal Celebrates 28 Years of Inspiring Scientific Imagination
Did you know the SCVEDC has an interactive, online tool that provides themed virtual tours of the amazing features the community has to offer? 
SCVEDC Offers Virtual Business Tours of the Santa Clarita Valley
California Institute of the Arts alum and visionary filmmaker Tim Burton (Film/Video 1979) was honored with the 2,788th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
CalArts Alum Tim Burton Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
SCVNews.com