The owner of an Erie County home care agency faces serious charges for Medicaid fraud and endangering vulnerable individuals under her care, Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry announced Thursday.

Tina Bell, 56, is charged with theft by deception, receiving stolen property, Medicaid fraud, tampering with public records, and neglect of a care-dependent person.

Bell is the owner and manager of Superior Health, Inc. While licensed as a home care agency providing non-medical care, Bell operated shared-care homes in which Medicaid consumers resided.

She is accused of billing for medical care by misrepresenting the qualifications of those providing care and/or where the care was rendered.

An investigation by the attorney general's office found Bell received more than $1 million in Medicaid funds for work that did not occur and for instances where inadequate care was provided, both of which reportedly endangered care-dependent individuals. She also falsified paperwork when audited by state officials in order to perpetuate the fraud scheme which was at risk of detection, according to investigators.

The investigation also showed Bell failed to provide adequate staffing and care, including directing an unlicensed individual to perform nursing duties, the attorney general's office said.

While Superior Health was being audited by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bell is accused of falsifying records to cover up severe deficiencies, including understaffing, lack of mandatory training, and failure to conduct required health screenings of employees. She also generated false medical and financial documentation to justify fraudulent claims for payment, investigators said.

Bell's preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 31.