The $2.3 million settlement was prompted by Petro and the Ohio Department of Human Services (ODHS).

"While Medicaid providers play a critical role in serving Ohio's needy, they must be held accountable for public tax dollars they receive," said Petro.

Rural Metro Corporation will repay Ohio for Medicaid billings by its 13 Ohio subsidiaries between 1996-99. During a compliance review of transportation providers, staff from Petro's office and ODHS detected issues with four Rural Metro Corporation subsidiaries. Rural Metro was unable to produce the transport documentation from its files, including physician documentation for some of its non-emergency transports. The company provided documentation for the remainder of the services they provided to Ohio Medicaid patients during this three-year period.

After the initial audits, Rural Metro Corporation requested a settlement for all 13 subsidiaries. The settlement, agreed to by the Auditor of State, ODHS and the Attorney General, resolves current civil liability and avoids additional auditing and potential litigation costs to recover these funds.

Further, Rural Metro will immediately establish a program to ensure future compliance. Key elements of the program will include:

• Annual internal audits for the next three years, the results of which the company will report to the state. 
• Revisions of current billing practices where appropriate. 
• A disciplinary program to guard against compliance breaches. 
• Employee background checks. 
• Training of employees to include proper medical certifications.