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Denise Barnes counsels clients in high-stakes matters related to fraud allegations, including in healthcare, federal contract procurement, and securities and financial services. A former trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), she has extensive experience handling issues related to compliance, white-collar and regulatory investigations, and complex commercial litigation. Denise represents businesses in public and non-public investigations, regulatory inquiries, and proceedings involving federal and state agencies. She frequently assists clients navigating government investigations related to allegations arising under the False Claims Act (FCA), Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS), Stark Law, and Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act (FIRREA). Notably, during her tenure at the DOJ, she spearheaded numerous multi-district investigations that resulted in over $2.7 billion in recoveries for federal taxpayers.

On September 9, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) released a major report (Report) regarding the fraud risks currently associated with skin substitute products billed to Medicare.Continue Reading HHS-OIG’s Latest Wound Care Report Warrants Careful Scrutiny

The federal government’s growing use of the False Claims Act (FCA) to pursue customs fraud signals a new era of trade enforcement, with importers facing heightened scrutiny and increased risk of whistleblower actions. Continue Reading Cracking Down on Customs Fraud: How the False Claims Act Raises the Stakes for Importers

Effective wound care is critical for patients recovering from surgery or managing chronic or non-healing wounds. Advances in treatment have led to the development of skin substitutes—bioengineered or natural materials designed to promote healing by replacing or supporting damaged skin. While these innovations hold great promise for the future of wound care, they have also come under increased scrutiny by regulatory agencies and the Department of Justice (DOJ).Continue Reading Wound Care in the Crosshairs: Reimbursements Risks Amid Skin Substitute Fraud Investigations

On May 19, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the launch of the Civil Rights Fraud Initiative, which will use the federal False Claims Act (FCA) to pursue claims against recipients of federal funds that knowingly violate federal civil rights law. 

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On April 2, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia dismissed a whistleblower’s False Claims Act (FCA) action after the relator attempted to dismiss the government as a plaintiff-intervenor in the lawsuit.

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As federal contractors and grant recipients navigate the changing landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, the Trump administration’s rescinding of Executive Order No. 11246 (EO) raises new concerns about potential False Claims Act (FCA) liability for non-compliance.Continue Reading Impact of Trump Administration’s Executive Order on DEI Programs and FCA Liability

The Trump administration’s recent executive order targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs is reshaping the landscape for healthcare providers, with potential legal and regulatory implications that are still unfolding. Continue Reading Executive Order on DEI Programs: Implications for Healthcare and False Claims Act Risks