Peter C. Harvey, Attorney General

Division of Consumer Affairs
Reni Erdos, Director

For Immediate Release:
November 5, 2004

For Further Information Contact:
Jeff Lamm, Genene Morris
973-504-6327

NEWARK – A speech-language pathologist who allegedly sought reimbursements for services that he did not provide has had his license revoked effective November 1 and been ordered to pay reimbursement, Attorney General Peter C. Harvey and Consumer Affairs Director Reni Erdos announced.

Jeffrey R. Stephens of Point Pleasant cannot apply for reinstatement of his license until November 1, 2006 and is barred from affiliating himself with any licensed speech-language pathologist during his two-year revocation. Stephens also was ordered to pay $2,115 in reimbursement to Meridian Health Systems of Wall, N.J., and $25,685 to the State for its investigative and legal costs.

Stephens allegedly falsified records and sought reimbursement at least 38 times for patient care services that he did not provide during 1999 and 2000 while working for Meridian Health Systems. Stephens did not admit to the allegations under the Consent Order he signed.

"Fraudulent billing is a major cause of rising medical care and health insurance costs," Attorney General Harvey said. "In this case, Mr. Stephens is alleged to have billed for services he never provided. We are working to root out such fraud in order to keep healthcare costs as affordable as possible."

"Health care professionals who think they can rip off the system had better think again," said Director Erdos. "Our licensing boards will not tolerate such uncaring and unprofessional behavior and will act to protect patients."

Deputy Attorney General Alan R. Niedz represented the State in this matter.