Civil Claim Against Hittle Settled

A civil claim has been settled by a Huron physical therapist. US Attorney Brenden Johnson and South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley say Reed Hittle and Precision Physical Therapy paid $42-thousand dollars to settle allegations that they improperly billed federal and state agencies for physical therapy services performed by unlicensed and unqualified personnel. Hittle previously pled guilty to one count of making false statements relating to health care matters. He was sentenced to one year probation and ordered to pay $119-thousand-260 dollars in restitution. The settlement relates to the government’s civil action pursuant to the False Claims Act. The criminal complaint alleged that between January 1, 2005, and July 31, 2008, Hittle and Precision Physical Therapy billed federal and state entities for physical therapy services performed by an unlicensed and unqualified provider.. South Dakota law requires that all physical therapy services be provided by a licensed physical therapist or a licensed physical therapist assistant.  According to the Settlement Agreement, Hittle and Precision Physical Therapy deny the allegations made by federal and state prosecutors, but settled the case without admitting liability to avoid the delay, uncertainty, inconvenience, and expense of protracted litigation.  Johnson and Jackley say the defendant cooperated with the investigation.