California DIR
and Division of Workers’ Compensation Suspend Pasadena Psychiatrist for Fraud
The
Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and its Division of Workers’
Compensation (DWC) have suspended Pasadena psychiatrist Jason Hui-Tek Yang from
participating in California’s workers’ compensation system.
Dr.
Yang was convicted in Riverside County Superior Court for his involvement in an
insurance fraud conspiracy that referred patients for unnecessary care to justify
workers’ compensation billing.
DWC
issued a Notice of Suspension, which Yang appealed. The appeal was heard in
April by Hearing Officer William E. Gunn, who issued a recommended
determination and order on May 25. The recommended decision was adopted by DWC
Acting Administrative Director George Parisotto and the suspension confirmed on
June 1.
Dr.
Yang has over 2,000 active workers’ compensation liens with an estimated total
claim value of more than $13.7 million.
AB
1244 (Gray and Daly) requires the DWC Administrative Director to suspend any
medical provider, physician or practitioner from participating in the workers’
compensation system in cases in which one or more of the following is true:
- The provider has been convicted of a crime involving fraud or abuse of the Medi-Cal or Medicare programs or the workers’ compensation system, fraud or abuse of a patient, or related types of misconduct;
- The provider has been suspended due to fraud or abuse from the Medicare or Medicaid (including Medi-Cal) programs; or
- The provider’s license or certificate to provide health care has been surrendered or revoked.
DIR’s
fraud
prevention efforts are posted online, including frequently updated
lists for physicians, practitioners and providers who have been issued notices of suspension, and those who have been suspended pursuant to Labor Code §139.21(a)(1).
DIR protects and improves the health, safety and
economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers
comply with state labor laws. DIR’s Division
of Workers’ Compensation monitors the administration of workers'
compensation claims, and provides administrative and judicial services to
assist in resolving disputes that arise in connection with claims for workers'
compensation benefits.