New Jersey Doctor Enters Settlement Agreement with OIG on Kickback Allegations

Ansar Sharif, M.D. - former owner of a Kearny, NJ, medical practice - entered into a settlement agreement with the Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, effective May 20, 2014. The $52,280 settlement resolves allegations that Sharif received kickbacks from Orange Community MRI, LLC, a diagnostic testing facility, in exchange for patient referrals. To date, the United States Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey convicted 17 defendants - including 15 physicians - in connection with the government's ongoing investigation of illegal payments made by Orange MRI. The investigation by OIG's Office of Investigations indicated that Sharif received money from Orange MRI for patient referrals. This case marks the first Civil Monetary Penalty Law resolution stemming from the government's investigation of Orange MRI. OIG was represented by Senior Counsel David M. Blank and Lauren E. Marziani. Sharif was represented by Carmine Campanile.

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