TAHC&H has been alerted to an attorney, who is targeting the websites of businesses that provide services using federal dollars (Medicaid and Medicare). This attorney’s name is Omar Rosales, and he is from Austin. He recently sent a letter to a member of TAHC&H stating that the agency website was not compliant with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). He threatened the agency that if they didn’t enter into settlement negotiations that he would file a federal lawsuit and report them to the Health and Human Services Commission. This is extortion! Mr. Rosales has attempted this type of harassment and extortion to two businesses in the San Antonio area, and those cases were dismissed.
Recently , Mr. Rosales was slapped with more than $176,000 in penalties for his actions and conduct in federal court by United States Magistrate Judge Mark Lane. Judge Lane has referred Rosales to the local federal bar disciplinary committee to see if further sanctions are necessary and ultimately Mr. Rosales could be disbarred. However, this will take time and until Mr. Rosales has his hearing before the disciplinary committee he can continue to send out these letters to small businesses attempting extortion. Click here to read the news story.
What can you do it you receive a letter from him?
• Call your attorney immediately.
• Contact TAHC&H to make us aware as we are watching to see if he begins to target home health and hospice agencies.
If you have any questions, please let us know.