The following hospitals, health systems and healthcare companies entered into settlement agreements to resolve alleged violations of the False Claims Act, the Anti-Kickback Statute or Stark Law since Aug. 18.
1. Georgia health system inks $35M deal to settle Stark Law, False Claims Act allegations
Columbus (Ga.) Regional Healthcare System agreed to pay $25 million, which will be divided between the federal government and the state of Georgia, to resolve allegations it violated the False Claims Act by submitting claims to government healthcare programs in violation of Stark Law. Under the agreement, the system also agreed to additional contingent payments not to exceed $10 million.
2. Oklahoma FQHC to pay $825k to settle false claims allegations
East Central Family Health Center, a federally qualified health center in Wetumka, Okla., agreed to pay $825,000 to settle civil claims stemming from allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting false Medicaid claims.
3. 3 NY hospitals included in $8M fraud, kickback settlement
Kingston, N.Y.-based Benedictine Hospital, Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, N.Y., and Yonkers, N.Y.-based St. Joseph's Medical Center, as well as St. Louis-based SpecialCare Hospital Management Corporation and its CEO, agreed to pay more than $8 million to resolve claims that they defrauded the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
4. Quest Diagnostics to pay $1.8M to settle Medicare fraud allegations
Madison, N.J.-based Quest Diagnostics, an international provider of clinical and laboratory services, paid the federal government $1.8 million to settle allegations that it submitted false claims to Medicare.
5. Kmart pays $1.4M in false claims settlement
Hoffmann Estates, Ill.-based Kmart paid $1.4 million to settle allegations it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly inducing Medicare beneficiaries to fill their prescriptions at Kmart pharmacies.
More articles on health law:
Former Highmark CEO hits health insurer with $32M lawsuit
Illinois dermatologist sentenced to 7 years in prison
Whistle-blower claims 2 NC hospitals bilked Medicare for millions; government bows out of lawsuit