Qui Tam Changes May Bring More Fraud Suits

In an article discussing the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act of 2009 (FERA), Richard D. Glovksy provides information and insight into how the strengthening of this Act will affect health care risk managers.

Since the amendments to FERA provide more resources for the pursuit of fraud cases, risk managers can expect increased enforcement efforts. “In a down economy, the government is looking for new ways to bring in money, just like everyone else. Finding more of those who are defrauding government is a popular way to do it," Dick noted.

Dick also discussed the potentially worrisome “Reverse False Claims Act,” whereby health care providers must recognize government overpayments, even if the errors were entirely the fault of the government. “It is no revelation to say that the federal government occasionally makes mistakes, but now if Uncle Sam errs and you don’t catch it, you could conceivably have exposure,” Dick added.

Click the link below to read the complete article with all of Dick's comments and insights.