Ny Gov. Cuomo threatens Brooklyn healthcare center with $1M fine for fraudulently distributing vaccine - as hundreds of patients are left in limbo for second doses
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is making it clear that the vaccination protocol must be followed in the state, threatening a massive fine for companies that violate the rules.
The company in Cuomo's crosshairs is ParCare Community Health Network, which advertised the 2,300 Moderna vaccine dose shipments they received on December 21 and proceeded to vaccinate those who didn't fall into the priority categories of health care worker or the elderly.
On Monday, Cuomo threatened to fine companies and workers that commit vaccine fraud, as is alleged with ParCare, up to $1million.
'We will not tolerate any fraud in the vaccination process,' Cuomo said during a news conference. 'Anyone who engages in fraud is going to be held accountable.'
Cuomo also threatened to revoke the license of any health care company found to be in violation of the rules, which would take away their ability to practice in New York.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is threatening a big fine for fraudulent vaccinations
ParCare is alleged to have received and distributed the COVID-19 vaccine fraudulently
ParCare's case is now in the hands of the New York Attorney General’s Office for further investigation, with Cuomo alleging ParCare may have misrepresented themselves to receive the vaccine.
'ParCare followed all NYS DOH procedures for obtaining the Moderna vaccine and was approved by NYS DOH for distribution and by CDC as a network site,' ParCare said to News 12.
ParCare claims to have administered 869 vaccine doses since receiving their shipment. They have since given back most of the rest of their vaccines to the state, but that creates a new set of problems.
Similarly to the Pfizer vaccine, the Moderna vaccine is distributed to patients during two different dosings, the second coming 28 days after the first.
It's not clear if there will be follow-up vaccines available for those who already received their first jab from ParCare, which would render the vaccine more ineffective.
The company is facing criminal prosecution and now, according to Cuomo, a $1 million fine
ParCare has since agreed to return their remaining vaccine doses to the state
'One person receiving the full vaccination dose could mean at least one more fatality averted,' associate professor of biomedical engineering Kagya Amoako said to Fox News. 'So it is highly recommended that the administration of their second doses be considered.'
'I was so relieved and grateful,' an anonymous woman with respiratory problems told Fox News upon receiving the vaccine in Brooklyn. 'And shocked I could get it already.'
She is now in limbo, not knowing if she'll receive the second dose of the vaccine.
Pictured: ParCare CEO Gary Schlesinger, right, posing with NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio
ParCare has publicly defended themselves against accusations and vowed to cooperate
Meanwhile, a New York Post report reveals money problems ParCare has been going through, which could prove to be relevant in an investigation of them.
In an audit from the company filed with New York, ParCare listed a net operating deficit of $1.4 million for 2018.
'The Organization has experienced recurring losses from operations, incurred startup costs, absorbed debt, taken on acquisition debt; and its total liabilities of $10,612,521 exceeds its current assets and property and equipment by $6,168,106, and as a result, has a net capital deficiency amounting to $5,677,220 at December 31, 2018,' ParCare said.
It's unclear what the financial standing of the company has been in recent years, as the report only covers 2017 and 2018.
The woman in Brooklyn who received the vaccine, however, had to pay $150 for her shot, though she believed the clinic she went to did accept some vaccines.
'We take this very seriously, and DOH will be assisting State Police in a criminal investigation into this matter,' a Saturday statement from the New York DOH stated. 'Anyone found to have knowingly participated in this scheme will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.'
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