The FCA Insider

The FCA Insider

Insights and updates on False Claims Act Litigation

Tag Archives: DOJ

DOJ, FCA Defenses, Individual Liability

Eleventh Circuit Affirms 11-year Prison Sentence for Substance Abuse Treatment Center Physician

Last month, the Eleventh Circuit upheld the conviction and 11-year prison sentence of a physician-Medical Director of two substance abuse treatment centers in Florida who was convicted by a jury of participating in a conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud.  On appeal, Arman Abovyan, a board-certified internal medicine physician, challenged his convictions based on insufficiency of… Continue Reading
DOJ, FCA Litigation, OIG

Eleventh Circuit Holds “Knowingly and Willfully” Does Not Require Motive for Kickback Recipient

A recent Eleventh Circuit opinion clarified the mens rea burden the Government must prove to establish criminal intent to violate the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute (“AKS”) for a recipient or payee of a kickback or bribe under 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b(b)(1), and affirmed a conviction against a healthcare provider.  The opinion in United States v. Alap Shah… Continue Reading
Defense Arguments, DOJ, Individual Liability, Investigations

Fifth Circuit Upholds Health Care Fraud Convictions for Home Health Agency Employees

The U.S. Fifth Circuit recently upheld convictions and sentences against five named defendants, each charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to violate the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) and several counts of substantive health care fraud.  In United States v. Barnes, No. 18-31074, 2020 WL 6304699 (5th Cir. Oct. 28, 2020), the Fifth… Continue Reading
DOJ, Regulatory

Federal Authorities Crack Down on Fraudulent COVID-19 Schemes

As the public faces the crisis related to the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), federal authorities announced initial actions against individuals and companies promoting fraudulent schemes and products to the public. Federal agencies suggest concerns that individuals and companies are targeting vulnerable consumers and seeking to profit from the confusion and widespread fear during the pandemic.… Continue Reading

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