Riverbird Mental Health Clinic and Providers Settle DOJ Examination
PORTLAND,Maine – Riverbird,LLC,a mental health clinic located in Portland,Maine,and its providers,Matthew Stevens,DO,and Selma Holden,MD,have agreed to settle allegations of fraudulent billing practices related to Medicare and Medicaid,the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on January 26, 2026.
The DOJ investigation revealed that Riverbird and its providers allegedly billed for services not rendered and submitted claims for higher levels of service than those actually provided to patients. Specifically, the goverment alleged violations of the False Claims Act.
Under the settlement agreement, Riverbird, Stevens, and Holden will collectively pay $485,000 to resolve the allegations. Riverbird will pay $385,000, while Stevens and Holden will each pay $50,000. The settlement also requires Riverbird to implement a comprehensive compliance program to prevent future fraudulent billing.
“Our office is committed to protecting the integrity of federal healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joanna D. Wright. “We will vigorously pursue those who seek to defraud these programs and waste taxpayer dollars.”
The investigation was initiated based on a whistleblower lawsuit filed under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, which allows individuals to file lawsuits on behalf of the government and share in any recovery. The whistleblower will receive a portion of the settlement proceeds.
The case was investigated by the civil division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine, with assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). HHS-OIG conducts audits, investigations, and evaluations to ensure the integrity of healthcare programs.
The settlement agreement underscores the government’s focus on holding healthcare providers accountable for accurate billing practices and protecting the financial health of Medicare and Medicaid.Healthcare providers should ensure they are fully compliant with all applicable billing regulations to avoid potential legal consequences.
