Paul Nathan DeWeese, Falsified Medical Claims, Grand Rapids MI, 2023

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – Former Michigan State Representative Paul Nathan DeWeese, M.D., 61, of Holt, Michigan, dodged prison time but wasn’t entirely off the hook. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Robert Jonker sentenced DeWeese to three years’ probation and a $5,000.00 fine after the disgraced doctor pleaded guilty to orchestrating a scheme to falsify medical records connected to claims submitted to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM). DeWeese had already coughed up $172,991.56 in criminal restitution before facing the judge.

The case centers around NBO Medical, a chain of clinics DeWeese ran from 1998 through 2002 while simultaneously serving as a state representative. NBO specialized in treating peripheral neuropathy using nerve block injections and electrical stimulation. DeWeese, as President and CEO, implemented a directive to comply with BCBSM policy requiring physician supervision of the injections. However, instead of *actually* supervising, DeWeese admitted to instructing staff to forge his signature on electronic medical records, falsely claiming he’d overseen the procedures. Without that fabricated supervision, BCBSM wouldn’t have paid the bills, according to court documents. The investigation revealed DeWeese’s signatures often originated *outside* Michigan, from devices not linked to NBO Medical – a clear attempt to cover his tracks.

This criminal sentencing isn’t DeWeese’s only legal trouble. Back in March 2016, he and NBO Medical settled a civil lawsuit for $273,496.67 with Medicare and Medicaid. The suit alleged violations of both the federal and Michigan False Claims Acts, claiming NBO improperly billed for electrical stimulation treatments, diagnostic tests, and services rendered under DeWeese’s name when he wasn’t the one providing them. It’s a pattern of deception, and it’s costing DeWeese dearly.

The fallout extended beyond financial penalties. As part of the civil settlement, DeWeese surrendered his DEA registration, triggering an investigation into his prescribing practices. That investigation revealed a disturbing pattern of reckless behavior regarding controlled substances. DeWeese was found to have repeatedly prescribed the dangerous “Holy Trinity” – a combination of opioids, benzodiazepines, and carisoprodol – known for its highly euphoric and addictive effects. He also allegedly ignored red flags indicating drug-seeking behavior in patients, and indiscriminately prescribed stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall without proper justification. Numerous patient records showed physical exams never actually taking place, further demonstrating a blatant disregard for patient safety and legal requirements.

Adding to his woes, DeWeese permanently surrendered his medical license to the State of Michigan. This action was a result of a separate investigation conducted by the Michigan Bureau of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, stemming directly from the federal probe into his controlled substance prescriptions. The walls were closing in, and DeWeese finally lost his ability to practice medicine.

The civil case, United States, et al., ex rel. Risner, et al. v. Paul N. DeWeese, M.D., P.L.C., et al., No. 1:12-cv-1308 (W.D. Mich.), originated from a whistleblower lawsuit filed by two former NBO Medical employees. These individuals brought the fraud to light under the False Claims Act and the Michigan Medicaid False Claims Act, highlighting the crucial role whistleblowers play in uncovering corruption and holding those in power accountable. While DeWeese avoided a prison sentence, his career and reputation are in ruins – a stark reminder that even former public officials aren’t above the law.