Two healthcare staffing firms, Intelycare and connectRN, reached settlements with the Massachusetts attorney general over allegations they charged long-term care facilities rates for nurses that were above the maximum allowed.

One firm, Quincy, Massachusetts-based Intelycare, will pay more than $500,000, according to the attorney general’s office. The amount includes more than $236,000 in restitution to long-term care facilities and approximately $270,000 in penalties.

“IntelyCare worked closely with the Massachusetts attorney general throughout its investigation. The alleged overages occurred between October 2021 and February 2023, representing less than 2% of IntelyCare’s total completed shifts in Massachusetts during that period,” the company said in a statement to SIA.

“Over 90% of the alleged overages were related to rate increases established by the long-term care facilities to meet urgent staffing needs during the height of the pandemic, with the vast majority occurring in 2021,” the company said. “IntelyCare cooperated fully with the attorney general’s investigation and proactively implemented enhanced measures to ensure continued compliance.”

The company continued, “IntelyCare has communicated with all impacted clients and distributed reimbursements to all affected clients. IntelyCare is grateful for our clients’ continued trust and support, and we remain committed to providing the highest quality solutions to help our clients stay fully staffed and elevate care.”

The other firm, connectRN, will pay more than $100,000. This includes more than $43,000 in restitution and $65,000 in penalties. The firm is based in Waltham, Massachusetts. ConnectRN has been contacted for comment.

In addition, the firms agreed to update their software and practices to be compliant with regulations.

The settlements are part of a broader effort to ensure compliance by healthcare staffing firms with Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Health and Human Services regulations, according to the attorney general’s office.