Autism center settles over improper billing allegations

The Minnetonka-based Minnesota Autism Center has agreed to pay $600,000 to settle allegations it improperly billed Medicaid for services.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the settlement reached Thursday will divide the money between the federal government and the state Department of Human Services.

The Minnesota Autism Center, which delivers therapy services to children and young adults with autism, was investigated for its billing practices. The alleged incidents took place in 2004 and 2005, federal prosecutors said.

Investigators alleged that the center billed Medicaid for skills training simultaneously provided to a child and the child's family. In addition, the center was accused of overbilling for services such as recordkeeping and charting.

As part of the settlement, the Minnesota Autism Center denied the allegations but agreed to pay as part of a "compromise of disputed claims." The state and federal government agreed to release the center from the misconduct claims.

A message left for the center's executive director was not immediately returned.

The center will be allowed to continue participating in Medicaid.

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