Health Law Monitor

Amendments to Civil False Claims Act Create Additional Hurdles for Healthcare Providers

On May 20, 2009, President Obama enacted the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act of 2009 (FERA). This sweeping legislation included comprehensive changes to the civil False Claims Act (FCA), marking the first time in over twenty years that the FCA has been amended.  These changes expand the breadth and scope of the FCA, thereby providing the government with important new tools in its fight against fraud.  These changes have significant implications for health care providers, especially if overpayments have been received under the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Providing Care to Federal Employees May Mean Affirmative Action Plans and Additional Compliance Requirements.

If you provide medical services to federal government employees, you may be a government contractor without knowing it.  It is important to realize that what you don’t know can hurt you.