Knox Co. Woman Charged 2nd Time with Doctor Shopping

NASHVILLE, TN – A Knox County woman is facing her second charge of TennCare doctor shopping, or going to multiple doctors to obtain the same or similar controlled substances.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of 47-year old Nancy Elaine Horsley, also known as Nancy Hayes, Nancy Maples, and Nancy Paskel, of Corryton.  Horsley was arrested on a Knox County indictment charging her with 11 counts of doctor shopping and 11 counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. 

Horsely is accused of visiting multiple physicians in a short period of time in order to obtain prescriptions for drugs.  The office visits were paid for by TennCare. 

She was previously arrested in December 2011, stemming from an indictment in Knox County when she was charged with six counts of doctor shopping.   She pleaded guilty to all six charges against her, was sentenced to two years supervised probation and ordered to pay all court costs and restitution.

“Prescription drug abuse is a concern of communities large and small across Tennessee,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. “With the help of medical providers, the OIG is sending a message that abusing TennCare will have serious repercussions.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years per charge in prison.   Obtaining a controlled substance by fraud is a Class D felony that carries a sentence of up to four years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Randall Nichols will be prosecuting this case.

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, 2,110 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."