Nursing Home Employee Files Whistleblower Lawsuit After Refusing to Falsify Federal Staffing Records

Madison Health fired HR/Payroll manager who refused to submit fraudulent reports that
endangered patients

RICHMOND, Ky., June 3, 2026 — Peterson Law and Whiteford Law filed a whistleblower lawsuit today on behalf of Ashley Ingram, who was fired by Madison Health and Rehabilitation Center after refusing to falsify federal nursing home staffing reports that directly endangered patient safety.

Published CMS data states that inadequate nursing staffing is directly correlated to bad patient outcomes and safety risks. By allegedly falsifying staffing records, Madison Health put vulnerable residents at direct risk while potentially defrauding federal oversight programs.

Systematic Fraud Endangered Patients

Madison Health had seven days during the second quarter with no required Registered Nurse coverage on February 7, 8, 15, 22, March 8, 17, and 21, 2026, violating federal regulations.
Rather than address the dangerous understaffing, administrators devised a plan to create backdated timecards falsely claiming nursing coverage that never existed

Ingram, hired as HR/Payroll Manager on April 1, 2026, was asked just 21 days later to sign off on fraudulent reports to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

“Plaintiff refused to submit, authorize, and/or place Plaintiff’s name on any timecard and PBJ report containing falsified or inaccurate RN staffing data,” according to court documents.

Whistleblower Fired for Protecting Patients

“Ashley Ingram represents an employee with integrity who put patient safety above her paycheck,” said Justin Peterson, Founding Partner of Peterson Law. “When administrators
asked her to falsify federal safety records, she refused and was pressured and was constructively discharged shortly after her refusal.”

After being terminated on April 22, 2026, Ingram reported Madison Health’s conduct to the Office of Inspector General and Kentucky State Board of Elder Affairs.

“This case demonstrates the critical importance of protecting healthcare whistleblowers who refuse to participate in fraud that endangers nursing home residents,” said Masten Childers III,
Kentucky Managing Partner at Whiteford Law. “Ashley’s courage protects every vulnerable patient who depends on proper care.”

Media Contact: Chris Pugh – chris@justinpetersonlaw.com (859) 457-7798