SEATTLE – Women over the age of 45 are most likely to commit inter-office fraud and embezzlement that can plague hospitals, according to Ellen E. Stewart, partner at Berenbaum Weinshienk and Eason PC of Colorado.

Stewart and Healthcare Financial Management Association ANI session co-presenter, J. Verne Singleton, CEO, Eating Disorder Center of Denver, walked attendees through definitions of fraud and embezzlement and what to do about it.

A need for money, revenge and the thrill of the challenge are the three main reasons why people steal from their company, said Stewart. There are many forms of blue-collar and white-collar fraud, ranging from simply taking office supplies to stealing healthcare philanthropy donor checks, as in a case presented at the Tuesday morning session in Seattle.

Triggers for stealing include performance-based awards, peer pressure and high stress created by financial needs. Opportunities for fraud and embezzlement at a company include: non-existent/ineffective internal controls; decentralized organizational structure that leaves upper management unaware of many actions; disciplinary actions that are weak or unpublicized and an ineffective board of trustees.

A woman who worked in a Texas fund raising office for National Jewish Medical and Research facility of Denver Colorado defrauded her company for over $220,000 in donor checks, auction merchandise and spent money on a false company American Express credit card before she was caught, according to Singleton.

Singleton identified steps to take to prevent fraud and embezzlement within hospitals:

• Be sure to have internal controls;
• Implement strict accounting measures;
• Change computer passwords and locks on doors and filing cabinets;
• Have employees sign requisitions for supplies and inventory;
• Enforce vacations, ensure someone else takes over in a suspect's absence;
• Rotate employees.