Law opens door to more whistle-blowing on health fraud

Article Abstract:

Individuals can file civil fraud suits on behalf of the federal government by invoking a Civil War era law called the Civil False Claims Act, which was expanded in the 1980s. The statute allows citizens to file fraud suits which claim that another party is defrauding the government. Successful claimants get to retain from 15% to 30% of any settlement. However, false claims can result in a $5,000 fine and treble damages. Use of the Civil False Claims Act has sharply increased, according to the Justice Dept.

Police Protection, Fraud, Laws, regulations and rules

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Hospitals settle suit alleging anti-competitive ad rules

Article Abstract:

Five Des Moines, IA, hospitals have decided to follow a government order prohibiting agreements on advertising. The decision ends a Justice Department civil suit filed in Sep, 1992. The five hospitals had agreed among themselves to restrict advertising to one-third of one percent of the previous year's revenues. Although the guidelines were voluntary, the Justice Department found that the practice restricted fair competition.

Hospitals, Advertising

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FTC, Justice busy clearing antitrust books at year's end

Article Abstract:

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Justice Dept's antitrust division have been involved in cases involving business arrangements of hospital groups, drug companies and other areas in the medical sector. Vision care provders have been prevented from limiting the discounts they offer to managed care plans. The FTC has challenged the merger of two Florida hospitals. Other cases are discussed.

Regulation, Licensing, and Inspection of Miscellaneous Commercial Sectors, Antitrust Law, United States. Department of Justice, United States. Federal Trade Commission

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