2023 NHCAA Award Winners

NHCAA’s 2023 Annual Awards Program culminated in a ceremony on November 7, 2023, held as part of the NHCAA Annual Training Conference (ATC) in Dallas, Texas. Awards honoring a dedicated NHCAA volunteer, a community education program, and the investigative and prosecutorial teams involved in three outstanding health care fraud investigations were bestowed. One honorable mention award was conferred as well. Follow the links for a description of each achievement. NHCAA congratulates all of our 2023 awardees!

INVESTIGATION OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Investigation of the Year Award honors an outstanding and effective health care fraud investigation and its impact on fraud deterrence and prevention. Complex multi-organization health care fraud cases that include an in-depth investigation followed by a successful prosecution are often candidates for this award. Two Investigation of the Year Awards were conferred in 2023, which is a rare occurrence. Both investigations were deemed equally worthy of the honor:

• 1-800-Get-Thin (United States of America v. Omidi, et al.)
• United States of America v. Michael Ligotti

SIRIS INVESTIGATION OF THE YEAR AWARD

The SIRIS Investigation of the Year Award recognizes a successful health care fraud case that was created or significantly enhanced as a result of using SIRIS — NHCAA’s online Special Investigation Resource and Intelligence System.

• People of the State of California v. Jeffrey Toll, et al.
• Honorable Mention: United States of America v. Anita Louise Jackson

EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC AWARENESS AWARD

Each year NHCAA bestows an Excellence in Public Awareness Award to an individual or an organization who has, through their work, contributed towards the public awareness of health care fraud. Award winners, selected by NHCAA, help bring to light the importance of combating health care fraud and its destructive impact on our nation’s health care system and citizens.

• Law Enforcement Collaboration to Address Sober Home Fraud Schemes Targeting Indigenous Communities

JOHN MORRIS VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD

This award was established in 2018 to honor the memory of John George Morris, Jr., one of NHCAA’s most ardent and loyal supporters. John was a founding member of NHCAA in 1985 and served for many years on the NHCAA Board of Directors, including as Board Chair in 2003.

• Michael J. Cohen, DHSc, JD, PA-C, Headquarters Operation Officer
  U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations

Download the full 2023 Awards Program.