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Offer and Inducement Under the Anti-Kickback Statute

False claims attorneys must consider the federal Anti-Kickback Statute (“AKS”) 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b(b) as a possible basis for a false claims action. This statute arose out of congressional concern that remuneration provided to those who can influence healthcare decisions would result in goods and services being provided that are medically unnecessary, of poor […]

False Claims Act Violations Regarding Controlled Substances, Prescriptions and Pill Mills

Controlled Substances & The Controlled Substances Act Section 812 of the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. §801 et seq.f) (“CSA”) lists substances which were controlled in 1970 when the law was enacted. Since then, approximately 160 substances have been added, removed, or transferred from one schedule to another. The current […]

Section 922 of the Dodd-Frank Act

Securities and Exchange Commission Whistleblower Statute In response to the global financial crisis in 2008, Congress passed financial reform legislation known as the Dodd-Frank Act in 2010, which came into effect in August 2011. In addition to the sweeping new financial regulations, the Dodd-Frank Act contained whistleblower provisions to encourage and incentivize […]

How Long Does a Whistleblower Case Take?

While fraud can be pursued by the government, many times a fraud investigation is initiated by the filing of a False Claims Act case. If an individual or group of individuals has evidence of fraud being committed against the government, they can seek to file a lawsuit under the Federal […]

The False Claims Act’s “First-to-File” Rule

A whistleblower considering reporting fraud under the False Claims Act should be aware that getting a qui tam case on file before any other potential whistleblower is a critical and necessary part of any potential recovery. The False Claims Act provides that “no other person other than the Government may intervene or bring a […]

Enforceable Laws Under the SEC Whistleblower Program & Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

The SEC Whistleblower Program & Foreign Corrupt Practices Act The SEC Whistleblower Program provides monetary incentives for individuals to come forward and report possible violations of the federal securities laws to the SEC. The SEC Whistleblower Program also incorporates violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) as reportable misconduct to the SEC. The […]

Amendments to the California False Claims Act

On August 16, 2012, the California Assembly passed a bill (AB 2492) amending California’s False Claims Act, Cal. Gov’t Code §§ 12650-12656, which must be signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown. The amendments largely conform the California False Claims Act to the federal False Claims Act. California False Claims Act […]

False Claims Actions May Rise Under Medicare Part D

A recently unsealed action brought under the False Claims Act is one of the first to allege claims related to Medicare Part D. Medicare contracts with private entities known as Part D sponsors to administer prescription drug plans. A sponsor may use subcontractors to obtain and provide the medications. Medicare  makes certain […]

Anti-Retaliation Whistleblower Protection Under Dodd-Frank

Fifth Court Differentiates Whistleblower Protection If Whistleblower Reports to SEC or Internally to Company The Fifth Circuit ruled on June 17, 2013, that anti-retaliation provisions in Dodd-Frank only protect whistleblowers who disclose alleged fraud to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and not just internally to the company. The […]

3 Types of Qui Tam Off-Label Marketing Cases

1. Off-Label Marketing vs. Off-Label Prescribing The Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) requires that drugs be proven to be safe and effective for a particular use before they can be marketed. The FDA’s approval is always limited to use or uses for which the manufacturer has submitted evidence of safety […]

False Claims Act Liability and Fraudulent Applications for Federally Guaranteed Loans

Is there False Claims Act liability regarding fraudulent applications for federally guaranteed loans where: there are no defaults on those loans after the government guarantees them; the government is not required to expend any funds in support of those guarantees; or the government is otherwise not financially harmed? The question […]

False Claims Act’s “Alternate Remedy Provision” & The SEC Whistleblower Statute’s “Related Action” Provision

What is the False Claims Act Alternative Remedy Provision? When a relator brings a false claims action in the name of the Government under the False Claims Act (“FCA”), the Government may elect to pursue its claim through any alternate remedy available to the Government, including any administrative proceeding, to determine a civil money […]