Recovery Connection Owner Charged with Healthcare Fraud: Impact on Addiction Treatment and How to Find Help in Rhode Island

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Justice, along with the FBI, announced charges against the principals of an addiction treatment chain for healthcare fraud, aggravated identity theft, money laundering, and obstruction. The investigation was conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of the Inspector General.

Recovery Connection CEO Michael BrierMichael Brier, the 60-year-old operator of Recovery Connection Centers of America, Inc., located in Newton, Massachusetts, was charged with the fraudulent billing of government services that were never delivered. Additionally, he was charged with filing fraudulent prescriptions and concealing his role in the business, as well as his 2013 criminal tax conviction. 

The company operates in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and prosecutors claim that the actions of Brier and Mi Ok Bruining, a 62-year-old supervisory counselor, duped health insurers out of over 15 million dollars. Bruining was also charged with healthcare fraud. Brier was arraigned on the charges and ordered to surrender his passport and wear a GPS monitoring bracelet. He will go to jail if he fails to abide by the conditions. 

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Owner of addiction clinics Recovery Connection in Massachusetts and RI faces health care fraud charges

According to investigators, the addiction treatment chain would bill for 45-minute counseling sessions, which were actually 5 or 10 minutes long, and would bill for so many sessions that the math didn't add up. Prosecutors also alleged that Brier filed fraudulent prescriptions using the information of doctors without their permission.

“The fraud scheme is particularly pernicious because it cheated a vulnerable population of recovery patients out of the full, genuine support and treatment that they need to have a chance at recovery,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha.

 Recovery Connection office in Rhode island 

The Recovery Connection Centers of America serves more than 1,600 patients in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, with 13 centers in Massachusetts and two in Rhode Island -- one in Pawtucket and with a headquarters in Providence on Wickenden Street. According to Cunha, the government is looking to seize two buildings and two luxurious vehicles that were acquired through the alleged criminal conduct, as well as 13 bank accounts.

As a result of the investigation, Medication-Assisted Treatment clinics such as the Rhode Island Suboxone Clinic are working to assist impacted patients. They are able to provide continued care and treatment for Recovery Connection patients.

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 Recovery Connection CEO Michael Brier Charged with Healthcare Fraud 

Rhode Island patients needing a new suboxone doctor or immediate bridge prescription may call 401-228-2793 for assistance. Patients in Rhode Island who were receiving opioid abuse treatment at Recovery Connection Centers of America (RCCA) are left with uncertainty about their addiction treatment and care following the recent incident at RCCA. However, the Rhode Island Suboxone Clinic understands the importance of providing high-quality care to those in need and is willing to help those affected by this unfortunate event. 

Their team of experienced and compassionate expert providers can assist in finding the care needed and continue providing ongoing care to those who have been displaced from their previous provider. They offer in-person appointments, as well as telehealth appointments, which allow individuals to receive care from the comfort of their own homes. Their Suboxone treatment in Rhode Island is available to most areas, ensuring that individuals have access to the care they need, whether they are in Pawtucket or in Providence.

 Rhode Island Suboxone Doctors 

The Rhode Island Suboxone Clinic understands that every individual deserves access to high-quality healthcare. They are committed to providing comprehensive care to all of their patients, and they stand ready to help those who have been impacted by the healthcare fraud investigation. We encourage anyone needing assistance finding a new provider or continuing their treatment to contact them at401-228-2793. Their team will help and support you every step of the way.

The charges against Recovery Connection highlight the need for increased oversight of addiction treatment centers, particularly those that operate in areas with high rates of substance abuse. Those seeking help in recovery must be provided with genuine support and treatment rather than cheated by fraudulent schemes.

Individuals in Rhode Island can use SuboxoneDoctor.com as a resource to connect with drug treatment centers located near the formerly operational Recovery Connection locations. These centers offer crucial addiction treatment and counseling to those who need it, providing valuable support on their path to recovery. The center's commitment to providing authentic care without any fraudulent or manipulative practices sets them apart from others. We must collaborate to find solutions and ensure that every person who requires addiction treatment receives the care they deserve.

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