The following is a roundup of recent lawsuits and settlements involving cases filed under the qui tam, or whistle-blower, provision of the False Claims Act, beginning with the most recent.
1. Nursing home to pay $17M to settle kickback allegations brought by former CFO
Miami-based Plaza Health Network, formerly Hebrew Homes Health Network, agreed to pay the federal government a record $17 million to settle allegations it violated the Anti-Kickback Statute and the False Claims Act. Stephen Beaujon, a former CFO of the company, originally brought the claims against Hebrew Homes under the qui tam provision of the False Claims Act.
2. Vanguard Health Systems to pay $2.9M to resolve false claims, kickback allegations
Vanguard Health Systems, which was purchased by Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare in 2013, agreed to pay $2.9 million to settle a whistle-blower lawsuit alleging it violated the Anti-Kickback Statute, the False Claims Act and Stark Law.
3. D.C. hospital to pay $12.9M to settle false claims allegations
Washington, D.C.-based Children's National Medical Center and its affiliated entities agreed to pay $12.9 million to resolve allegations they violated the False Claims Act. James A. Roark Sr., a former CNMC employee, brought the lawsuit under the whistle-blower provision of the False Claims Act.
4. Feds settle case with Community Health Systems hospital over kickbacks
Health Management Associates in Naples, Fla., and Clearview Regional Medical Center in Monroe, Ga., formerly Walton Regional Medical Center, agreed to pay the federal government $595,155 to settle kickback allegations. Ralph D. Williams, who served as CFO or Walton Regional from April 2009 to October 2009, was the whistle-blower in the case.
5. Florida physician sued for intentional false diagnoses settles with government
A Florida neurologist, who was formerly employed by Baptist Neurology and Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, Fla., agreed to pay the federal government $150,000 to settle allegations he violated the False Claims Act by providing medically unnecessary services to federal healthcare program beneficiaries. Verchetta Wells, a former Baptist Neurology employee, originally filed the whistle-blower lawsuit.
6. NY hospital to pay $18.8M to settle kickback allegations
Valhalla, N.Y.-based Westchester Medical Center agreed to pay the federal government $18.8 million for its alleged violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and Stark Law. Dan Brisk, WMC's former compliance officer, originally brought the lawsuit under the qui tam provision of the False Claims Act.
More articles on the False Claims Act:
10 latest healthcare industry lawsuits, settlements
46 medical professionals charged in connection with $712M in false billings