Medicine abuse is a growing problem among teens in the United States. One in six teens has abused medicine, and medicine is the most commonly abused drug among 12- to 13-year-olds. I have joined The Partnership at DrugFree.org on The Medicine Abuse Project, a national awareness campaign to prevent medicine abuse in teens. The project launches Sunday and aims to prevent half a million teens from abusing medicine within five years.
The Medicine Abuse Project encourages communities to educate people about the dangers of abusing medicine, monitor prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines, safeguard and properly dispose of unused medication, and eliminate improper prescribing and dispensing practices. Sign the pledge today at MedicineAbuseProject.org to learn about medicine abuse and talk to your teens about it.
The launch of The Medicine Abuse Project culminates with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Sept. 29 from 12 to 2 p.m. Click here to find a drop-off location near you.
We have the power to stop this epidemic, and I encourage you to sign the pledge and begin your efforts this week.
Attorney General Bondi’s Office Charges Santa Rosa County Resident for $6,600 in Medicaid Fraud
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that a Santa Rosa County resident was taken into custody and charged with one count of Medicaid fraud. Shannon Boyette, owner of Boyette Home Health Care, was taken into custody after an investigation by the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Boyette, 31, allegedly submitted fraudulent claims to Medicaid in excess of $6,600. Additionally, Boyette allegedly falsified service logs and failed to conduct employee background checks. Medicaid fraud investigators discovered an alleged 123 fraudulent claims filed by Boyette Home Health Services in 2011.
Boyette is charged with one count of Medicaid fraud, a third-degree felony. If convicted she could receive up to five years in prison, $5,000 in court fines, and a mandatory fine equal to five times the amount of the fraud. The case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office under the authority of the State Attorney’s Office for the First Judicial Circuit.
Also during Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, Kate MacFall with the Animal Shelter Foundation, represented the Tallahassee-Leon Community Animal Service Center. She brought Snoopy, a daschund, who is available for adoption. To learn more about adopting a pet, visit: http://www.talgov.com/animals/index.cfm.