Quote of the day
“Despite the fact that the Americans with Disabilities Act has been around for 29 years and unemployment among working-age nondisabled Americans is in the neighborhood of 3.5 percent, shockingly only about 4 of 10 working-age adults with disabilities are employed, according to the Brookings Institution.”
Larry F. Johnson, author and motivational speaker
Kentucky business owner admits to defrauding workers’ comp company
A Kentucky employer last week pleaded guilty to a workers’ compensation scheme to to defraud Brickstreet Mutual Insurance Company (now known as Encova) following the death of a 19-year-old employee in 2016. The business owner will have to pay $186,700 in restitution and an additional $16,300 to the state of West Virginia for unpaid premium taxes. The employee died after he fell more than 100 feet while working on the construction of a tower in Kentucky. Charleston Gazette-Mail
Researchers to conclude study on whether firefighters’ health issues were job-related
The results of research by a University of Arizona professor into firefighters’ exposures to carcinogen are expected to be made available soon. A Tucson firefighter had sought Dr. Jeffrey Burgess’ help for a fire investigator diagnosed with leukemia, who had been exposed to innumerable carcinogens over his career, but whose workers’ compensation claim was denied. KJZZ (Phoenix) [with audio]
Ohio pain clinic doctor pleads guilty to running pill mill
The owner and operator of a Hamilton, Ohio pain clinic recently pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to illegal distribution of controlled substances, health care fraud and violating the anti-kickback statute. Prosecutors say the practice was operated almost exclusively as a pain clinic despite not being properly licensed and that patients were prescribed fentanyl, oxycodone, methadone, morphine and other controlled substances without actually being seen by the doctor. Highland County Press (Hillsboro, Ohio)
Judge releases defendant in insurance scheme, citing new bail rules
A Manhattan judge cited new bail rules that go into effect next year to justify releasing a 38-year-old operator of a multi-million-dollar construction labor supply operation, whom prosecutors say underreported the size of companies to get lower insurance rates. Some police and prosecutors have criticized elements of the laws, which do not take effect until January 1, saying the bail rules are too loose. New York Daily News
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Author and motivational speaker Larry F. Johnson discusses National Disability Employment Awareness Month and the stigma that many disabled Americans encounter in the labor market. San Antonio Express-News