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

Denise Barnes
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.
DOJ’s New Civil Rights Fraud Initiative – Expect Increased Enforcement
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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DOJ’s Latest False Claims Act Customs Fraud Intervention
We authored an article for Law360 outlining a recent Department of Justice (DOJ) intervention in a False Claims Act (FCA) customs fraud matter. Continue Reading DOJ’s Latest False Claims Act Customs Fraud Intervention
Key Takeaways from DOJ’s Continued Cybersecurity Enforcement
On March 25, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a $4.6 million settlement with MORSECORP, Inc. (MORSE) over its alleged failures to satisfy cybersecurity requirements for federal defense contractors.Continue Reading Key Takeaways from DOJ’s Continued Cybersecurity Enforcement
False Claims Act Gives Broad Dismissal Authority to Government, District Judge Says
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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Impact of Trump Administration’s Executive Order on DEI Programs and FCA Liability
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
Executive Order on DEI Programs: Implications for Healthcare and False Claims Act Risks
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
COVID-19 Relief Scrutiny
We recently co-authored an article for The Banking Law Journal about the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) ongoing efforts to target businesses it alleges to have fraudulently received COVID-19 relief funds.Continue Reading COVID-19 Relief Scrutiny
Growing Divide for Causation Standard Under the Anti-Kickback Statute
We recently authored an article for The Federal Lawyer exploring the causation standard under the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) and the increasing difference between the circuit courts’ interpretation of this standard. “At its core, the question is whether evidence of kickbacks sullies the entirety of the claims related to that transgressor, or whether the government must demonstrate more,” we explained.Continue Reading Growing Divide for Causation Standard Under the Anti-Kickback Statute
False Claims Act Application in Nevada Worker Classification Fight Against Lyft
I provided insight for a Bloomberg Law article on the False Claims Act allegations brought against Lyft in a worker classification suit. A recent Nevada lawsuit claims Lyft misclassified drivers as independent contractors and defrauded the government. Continue Reading False Claims Act Application in Nevada Worker Classification Fight Against Lyft