Sacred Heart executives sentenced for multimillion-dollar kickback scheme

Three executives of the now-defunct Sacred Heart Hospital in Chicago were sentenced for their respective roles in an elaborate kickback scheme that cost Medicare nearly $35 million over a 12-year period, according to an announcement from the Department of Justice.

Edward Novak, the hospital's former owner and CEO got the toughest sentence of the three, with four and half years. Clarence Nagelvoort, the hospital's chief operating officer received 21 months, and the chief financial officer received 12 months. All three were convicted in March for paying kickbacks to physicians that were disguised at lease agreements. The patient referrals led to unnecessary ED admissions and intubations.  Six other defendants have already been convicted and are awaiting sentencing. Announcement