Patrick Britton-Harr, 42, of Annapolis, Maryland, was found guilty on October 19, 2026, of five counts of health care fraud and one count of transactional money laundering. A federal jury in the District of Maryland delivered the verdict. The conviction relates to an $18.7 million Medicare fraud scheme orchestrated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The scheme involved billing Medicare for expensive respiratory tests. These tests were not medically necessary. Physicians did not order them. In many cases, the tests were never performed on nursing home residents.
The Scope of the Fraudulent Operation
Britton-Harr utilized his company, Provista Health, to submit the fraudulent claims. Medicare paid over $7.2 million based on these false submissions. The fraudulent activities exploited the public health crisis for personal financial gain.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, Kelly O. Hayes, oversaw the prosecution. The investigation involved significant efforts from federal agencies. Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge, highlighted the commitment to combating healthcare fraud.
A Pattern of Financial Misconduct
This is Britton-Harr’s second federal fraud conviction in 2026. He was previously convicted in June for wire fraud. That earlier conviction involved a separate private jet scheme. The repeated offenses indicate a history of deceptive financial practices.
The convictions underscore the federal government’s focus on prosecuting individuals who defraud public programs. The Department of Justice maintains a strong stance against healthcare fraud, particularly during national emergencies.
Impact on Medicare and Public Trust
The $18.7 million scheme diverted critical resources from the Medicare program. Medicare provides health insurance to millions of Americans, primarily those aged 65 or older. Fraudulent billing practices undermine the program’s integrity and financial stability.
Public trust in healthcare providers and systems can erode due to such schemes. The COVID-19 pandemic created vulnerabilities that some individuals exploited. Federal authorities continue to pursue those who engaged in pandemic-related fraud.
Legal Ramifications and Future Proceedings
Britton-Harr now faces significant penalties. Sentencing for the health care fraud and money laundering convictions will occur at a later date. Each count carries potential prison sentences and substantial fines.
The case serves as a warning to others considering similar schemes. The federal government’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting healthcare fraud remains steadfast. Information on federal healthcare fraud enforcement can be found on the Office of Inspector General website.
The Broader Context of Pandemic Fraud
The COVID-19 pandemic saw a surge in various types of fraud. This included schemes targeting relief programs and healthcare services. Law enforcement agencies across the nation have been actively pursuing these cases.
The convictions aim to deter future fraudulent activities. They also seek to recover funds stolen from taxpayer-funded programs. The justice system continues to address the economic fallout of pandemic-related crimes.
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Investigations continue. Prosecutions proceed. Accountability is sought.
Justice.
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Frequently asked questions
Who is Patrick Britton-Harr?
Patrick Britton-Harr is a 42-year-old lab owner from Annapolis, Maryland. He was convicted on October 19, 2026, for orchestrating an $18.7 million Medicare fraud scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is his second federal fraud conviction in 2026.
What was the nature of the Medicare fraud scheme?
The scheme involved fraudulently billing Medicare for expensive respiratory tests. These tests were not medically necessary, were not ordered by physicians, and in many cases, were never performed on nursing home residents. Britton-Harr used his company, Provista Health, to submit these false claims.
How much money did Medicare lose due to this fraud?
Medicare paid over $7.2 million on the fraudulent claims submitted by Patrick Britton-Harr's company, Provista Health. The total value of the fraudulent claims submitted was $18.7 million.
When was Patrick Britton-Harr convicted?
Patrick Britton-Harr was found guilty on October 19, 2026, of five counts of health care fraud and one count of transactional money laundering in a federal trial in the District of Maryland.
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