PROVIDENCE – The Lifespan Recovery Center, operated by Lifespan Corp., announced that it stepped in to help patients who were displaced in 2023 when Recovery Connections Centers of America Inc. suddenly closed, leaving many – including 750 Rhode Islanders – without a care provider.
Providence Business News reported in March that the FBI had arrested Michael Brier, 60, CEO of Providence-based Recovery Connections Centers of America, and Mi Ok Bruining, 62, a supervisory counselor for RCCA. The two were arrested in connection with what federal law enforcement officials called a “massive” health care fraud scheme.
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U.S. Attorney for Rhode Island Zachary A. Cunha’s office had estimated that approximately 1,500 patients were affected and $15 million in both private and federal payments were made for substandard treatments.
In response to an alert issued by the R.I. Department of Health and the R.I. Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals asking treatment providers to increase access to lifesaving medications for addiction treatment, the Lifespan Recovery Center implemented a comprehensive plan to ensure continuity of care for patients left without substance use disorder treatment because of the closure, according to a news release.
“Guided by our mission to provide rapid access to treatment and support throughout the recovery process, we recognized the gravity of the situation and the significant crisis that could ensue,” said Dr. Cecilia Fix, director of Lifespan’s Division of Addiction Medicine. “Our primary focus has always been on the well-being of our patients, and our dedicated and committed team is proud to have been able to step in and provide the necessary services throughout this challenging time.”
Lifespan Recovery Center’s Division of Addiction Medicine took the following actions to accommodate the influx of patients:
- Hired a nurse practitioner from RCCA and expedited onboarding and credentialing processes.
- Established convenient walk-in times from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday to offer patients greater flexibility in accessing treatment.
- Provided care coordination services, assisting patients in setting up primary care and peer support networks.
Every patient who sought care was treated by a licensed clinician and underwent an assessment to determine their safety and level of need. The Lifespan Recovery Center saw a 53% increase in new patient calls in March, followed by a 20% increase in April and successfully treated 171 former RCCA patients, according to the release. These patients continue to receive medication maintenance and substance use/mental health counseling based on their individual needs and preferences.
“The response from the community was overwhelming, and the tireless efforts of our entire team ensured that no patient was left without the necessary care and support,” Fix said. “The Lifespan Recovery Center remains committed to its mission of delivering high-quality addiction treatment and support services.”
Katie Castellani is a PBN staff writer. You may contact her at Castellani@PBN.com.
