OIG Exclusion List

Nurses Recovery

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HELP! I just learned that I've been on the OIG Exclusion list since Jan 2003 following my RN license surrender / revocation for narcotic diversion in 2002. I've successfully gotten my life in order, clean & sober since. I was hired by a large private medical practice in 2002 in their business office. I was completely honest with the HR and Administrative staff about my license surrender. Over the past 12 1/2 years with this company, I've had several roles and promotions. I have never falsified any documentation pretending to still be a registered nurse. 2 years ago I was promoted into a Administrative role over the Practice's Revenue Cycle / Billing. The Practice frequently checks the OIG Exclusion list & I've never "popped up". I never even imagined I would be on this list. A governmental payer called me this week to tell me I was on the OIG Excluison list. When I searched my own name "no results" were found. When I searched again with just a few letters - there I was with my name misspelled! I immediately called my boss and Compliance Officer and told them what I had found out. They put me on a one week suspension with pay "while they sort it out"...but I'm very afraid I will lose the job that I have worked so hard -and great at - for the last 12 years.

Does anyone have any suggestions??? Please help I'm very scared.

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Are you sure it is you? I know this may sound stupid but I have a very common last name and a first name that can be spelled a few different ways. I once ran into a HUGE mistaken identity issue when the DMV ran my name through their system and my name was a match to someone w/ a slightly different spelling of first name but same last name and birthdate as me. Spent HOURS on the phone trying to clear it up and never fully did. I finally found a sympathetic person who would override the system and issue me a driver's license. Seems a government computer system would check based on SSN or something but I was told that it only checks by birthdate and name but the name doesn't have to match exactly. (i.e. slightly different spelling of same first name) This is the nationwide program for the DMV. Sounds crazy, but it happens to me anytime I try to renew my license. My husband has an even more common name and on a background check had convictions on his record that were not him.

Anyway, just a thought. I hope this all works out for you and that maybe it is just a mistake of some kind that you can clear up. Hopefully someone else can give you more concrete advice about the OIG list.

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Annie, thanks for writing back. Unfortunately, yes it is me. I was able to do a search with my SSN and confirmed the exclusion. I did send a letter to the OIG asking for "reinstatement"..but I have yet to receive the packet from them. I worried that I will not be able to financially survive the 120 days (per the OIG website) with no income while waiting for my name to be removed. Honestly, I'm quite peeved that something from 13 years ago is now going to ruin me.

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Annie, thanks for writing back. Unfortunately, yes it is me. I was able to do a search with my SSN and confirmed the exclusion. I did send a letter to the OIG asking for "reinstatement"..but I have yet to receive the packet from them. I worried that I will not be able to financially survive the 120 days (per the OIG website) with no income while waiting for my name to be removed. Honestly, I'm quite peeved that something from 13 years ago is now going to ruin me.

Wow. That sounds terrible. I'm so sorry. I wish it could have been a case of mistaken identity. I'll send up positive thoughts that you get removed quickly and you can find a way to make it until then.

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I have never even heard of oig before today. This is awful, sorry this happened to you. Just remember to stay strong and out your sobriety and sanity of course first. Please keep is updated.

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Do not worry, a lot of nurses with your same story has had this removed. Look through "all nurses" regarding removing yourself off the oig list. This is not permanent. I have read multiple stories of this being overcomed

When where you placed on the list?

Gabby

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I am so sorry this happened to you. The same thing happened to me almost verbatim. It is complete BS and a totally discriminatory practice against alcoholics and addicts. I do not know what DC genius thought it was appropriate to add sick individuals to a list that was intended for providers intentionally defrauding the government. Pretty back ass reasoning.

regardless, I got off the list. My company held my job for 90 days. I suggest getting a lawyer (one that has done this before) to help you expedite. Yes, it is expensive, but it is the only way to get your life back (because no one in the government gives 3 ***** about all the lives their ruining with this practice).

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I recently learned that I am on the OIG Exclusion list for a defaulted student loan (that has been paid in full since 2002). The issue was that you surrendered your license. I was placed on the list not because of my nursing license. I was placed on the list because of a pharmacy technician license that has been inactive since 1996! That pharmacy technician license was disciplined by the Department of Professional Regulations in 2003 and my name was placed on the OIG Exclusion list at that time. The Department of Professional regulations has my pharmacy technician license listed as "refuse to renew". I did not refuse to renew the license per se, I just went on to a different career. But, that is why I was placed on the list. Apparently, there was supposed to be some type of hearing that I was supposed to attend (like a trial). I never received any type of notification of any type of hearing or potential disciplinary action. I have been having a difficult time in trying to deal with the OIG office. I retained an attorney (finding one to even send a letter out was horrific). Most of the attorneys that I spoke to had never heard of the OIG office even the attorneys who deal with licensing issues. The attorney that I retained however, is taking me for a ride. I have an appointment to speak with another attorney out of Florida, The Health Law Firm who does seem to have alot of experience with this exact issue. He has a hefty consultation fee and I am not certain I can afford him. We will see. Good luck to you in getting your name removed.

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Did you get your name of?

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Your job was held for you?

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Excluded did you get your job back???

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Annie, thanks for writing back. Unfortunately, yes it is me. I was able to do a search with my SSN and confirmed the exclusion. I did send a letter to the OIG asking for "reinstatement"..but I have yet to receive the packet from them. I worried that I will not be able to financially survive the 120 days (per the OIG website) with no income while waiting for my name to be removed. Honestly, I'm quite peeved that something from 13 years ago is now going to ruin me.

I'm always thinking about your situation and pray that things worked you for please give us an update.....

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