Department of Finance & Administration
Mark Emkes, Commissioner

DYER COUNTY WOMAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE DRUG FRAUD

NASHVILLE - A Dyer County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for selling prescription drugs paid for by TennCare.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Lisa Ann Bernal, also known as Lisa Campos, 29, of Dyersburg, after a joint investigation with the Dyersburg Police Department.

Bernal is charged with one count of TennCare fraud and one count of sale of a Schedule III controlled substance.  She is accused of using TennCare benefits to obtain a prescription for the painkiller hydrocodone, while planning to sell the pills to other people

“We are working with municipal and county police officers across the state, as they often discover a TennCare element during local drug investigations,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “Local police are clearly committed to eliminating prescription drug abuse, and we’re doing our part to stop abusers who are supporting this lifestyle with TennCare.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison, and sale a Schedule III controlled substance by fraud is a Class D felony, punishable by two to four years in prison. District Attorney General C. Phillip Bivens is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $173 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 1,400 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

Through the OIG Cash for Tips Program established by the Legislature, Tennesseans can get cash rewards for TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions.  Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or log on to www.tn.gov/tnoig and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."