Department of Finance & Administration
Mark Emkes, Commissioner

DAVIDSON COUNTY WOMAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE DRUG FRAUD

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A Davidson County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for trying to use TennCare to fill a prescription that had been altered.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) announced the arrest, a joint effort with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.

Brandy L. Farrar, 20, of Nashville, was indicted on one count of TennCare fraud, one count of forgery and one count of obtaining a Schedule III drug by fraud for presenting an altered prescription for the painkiller Lortab at a pharmacy, and attempting to use TennCare to pay for the drug.

"Pharmacists across the state are becoming more and more watchful for questionable prescriptions, especially when they involve addictive prescription painkillers," Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years per charge in prison. District Attorney General Victor S. Johnson, III is prosecuting.

The OIG, a law enforcement agency separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has worked cases leading to the arrest of over 820 individuals for TennCare fraud, with nearly $1 million paid in restitution to TennCare, and total estimated cost avoidance in TennCare of over $122 million, according to latest figures.

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.tncarefraud.tennessee.gov and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."