COLUMBUS - Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine's office is asking that, in light of allegations of mismanagement, SCOPE's certification allowing it to receive Medicaid funding be revoked.
The request came during today's administrative hearing before the Ohio Department of Aging to answer to the state's allegations that the agency failed to comply with regulations on criminal background checks and employee credentials.
The interim director of SCOPE testified at the hearing that the senior agency's personnel records and management was in such a state of disarray when he took over that he found one employee, hired by SCOPE in 2004 didn't receive the required criminal background check until 2011.
Interim Director Ralph Smith conceded to many of the allegations, but noted that ultimately, no clients were harmed and now it is seeking ways to come into compliance and continue operations.
Among those attempts are talks with Family and Community Services of Ravenna to take over SCOPE's management and record keeping practices.
A decision by the Department of Aging on SCOPE's future operations and certifications is expected in the coming months.