EMSA Board Chooses Members to Oversee Pending Lawsuit

STROUD, Okla. (AP/Staff) – After discussing a pending lawsuit with their attorneys, the Oklahoma Emergency Medical Services Authority’s Board of Trustees has chosen two board members to oversee the East Texas-linked case. The Tulsa World reports the EMSA’s board voted Wednesday to appoint Chairwoman Allison Petersen and Vice Chairwoman Jan Slater to “coordinate EMSA’s defense with counsel and to negotiate any resolutions, subject to board approval.”

The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Sherman, Texas Monday. It claims that Tyler-based East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System and its ambulance provider entered into a $20 million kickback scheme to obtain and keep a profitable public ambulance services contract. The contract was awarded by EMSA and its director Stephen Williamson. The suit claims the “pay to play” scheme violates anti-kickback statutes and the False Claims Act. The ambulance provider president disputes the claim and predicts full vindication.