David Benedix of Avoca has agreed to give up his license to practice social work. The agreement reached with the Iowa Board of Social Work in December will settle claims that Benedix falsified client records.

The state board filed a statement of charges last June that alleged "numerous instances" in which Benedix falsified client records. Benedix co-owned and operated Phoenix Family Services and, according to the board, the falsified records and lack of documentation resulted in overpayments by the Iowa Department of Human Services to Phoenix House.

The problem was uncovered in a 2004 audit, and Benedix agreed in September of 2004 to pay back more than $19,615 in overpayments.

However, the investigation resulted in charges against Benedix that included knowingly making misleading, deceptive, untrue or fraudulent representations in the practice of social work or engaging in unethical conduct, as well as falsification of client records and accepting a fee by fraud or misrepresentation.

The case has been resolved by the settlement agreement. Benedix was originally licensed to practice social work in 1998. His license has expired and he has agreed to avoid representing himself as a social worker.