Ohio AG targets nursing home drug theft

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WDTN) - Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine intends to step-up his efforts to stop pharmaceutical drug thefts in adult care facilities.

Dewine announced July 10 his offer of investigative assistance to every nursing home, assisted living agency, and residential care facility in Ohio.

He said he's responding to growing concerns over prescription drug abuse, including drug theft, by care facility employees.

"Every time this happens a real patient is deprived of the medication they need to get well," said Attorney General DeWine. "This is why my office is now contacting facility administrators throughout the state. We want to remind them that we can help."

Beginning the week of July 16, administrators of every care facility in the state will receive a letter reminding them of their obligation under state law to report suspected illegal activity and that investigative assistance is available through the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

Anyone who suspects abuse, neglect or drug diversion in one of Ohio's care facilities can file a complaint by contacting the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit at 614-466-0722, by calling the Attorney General's Help Desk at 800-282-0515, or by filing a complaint online at www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Enforcement/Report-Patient-Abuse-or-Neglect .