NEW HAVEN DENTIST PAYS $212,000 TO SETTLE
FALSE CLAIMS ACT ALLEGATIONS
Attorney Stephen Bellis filed a federal whistleblower lawsuit against Dr. Kristi Rossomando who practices dentistry at the Children's Dental Group in New Haven, Connecticut. Attorney Bellis filed a qui tam action under both the Federal and State False Claims Act. It was alleged that Dr. Rossomando submitted claims for payment to the Medicaid program which were either not provided or which were impermissibly provided by a dental hygienist from the period of time during February, 2005 through January 15, 2011. The U.S. Attorney's office and Attorney General's office also became involved. Dr. Rossomando entered into a settlement agreement with United States and State of Connecticut for $212,000, of which $31,800 will be awarded to Attorney Bellis' client as the whistleblower. In addition, Rossomando paid expenses and attorney's fees. Although the settlement agreement was approved by the federal court in September, 2011, there remains a state court action pending for dental malpractice and Connecticut unfair trade practices alleging Rosssomando performed unnecessary root canals on baby teeth of low income, inner city New Haven patients.
