On April 14, U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly ruled, in relevant part, that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) cannot require federal grant recipients to certify that their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs do not violate applicable federal anti-discrimination law and prohibited the termination of the plaintiff’s Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional
DOJ Settlement Highlights Customs, FCA Risks for Importers
On March 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced an $8.1 million settlement in a civil case under the False Claims Act (FCA) related to alleged customs evasion by a California importer of wood flooring. The private whistleblower who reported the conduct received over $1.2 million in the matter. As we suggested in
Seoul Medical Group and Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates Settle Medicare Risk Adjustment Fraud Case for $62 Million
The Department of Justice announced this week that California-based primary care provider Seoul Medical Group, Inc. (SMG), SMG’s former president and majority owner, and California-based radiology group Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates Inc. (Renaissance) will pay a combined $62.85 million to resolve allegations of False Claims Act violations related to the submission of unsupported diagnosis codes to Medicare Advantage Organizations in order to increase reimbursement from the government.Continue Reading Seoul Medical Group and Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates Settle Medicare Risk Adjustment Fraud Case for $62 Million
False Claims Act Enforcement in Healthcare: Insights from the 13th Annual Fraud & Abuse Review
The False Claims Act (FCA) remains one of the government’s most powerful tools in combating healthcare fraud, with a growing focus on opioid-related cases and violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute. Continue Reading False Claims Act Enforcement in Healthcare: Insights from the 13th Annual Fraud & Abuse Review
Download Now – 13th Annual Healthcare Fraud & Abuse Review
Our 13th annual Healthcare Fraud & Abuse Review, compiled by the Bass, Berry & Sims Healthcare Fraud & Abuse Task Force, is now available, providing an in-depth look at the key enforcement trends, legal decisions, and settlements shaping the healthcare industry in 2024.Continue Reading Download Now – 13th Annual Healthcare Fraud & Abuse Review
Supreme Court Clarifies “Claim” Definition Under False Claims Act
In Wisconsin Bell, Inc. v. United States ex rel. Heath, the Supreme Court clarified the definition of “claim” under the FCA. The case resolves a split between the Fifth and Seventh Circuits on whether a request for reimbursement under the E-Rate subsidies program meets the statutory definition of a “claim.”Continue Reading Supreme Court Clarifies “Claim” Definition Under False Claims Act
First Circuit Adopts “But-For” Causation Standard for Proving Kickback FCA Violations
In a closely watched appeal, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit ruled on February 18 that to satisfy the causation requirement in False Claims Act (FCA) actions based on alleged Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) violations, the government or relator must prove that the alleged kickbacks were the “but-for” cause of the defendant’s allegedly false claims. The First Circuit joins the Sixth and Eighth Circuits in adopting this defendant-favorable standard, with only the Third Circuit requiring a less-stringent showing.Continue Reading First Circuit Adopts “But-For” Causation Standard for Proving Kickback FCA Violations
The Surge in FCA Whistleblower Lawsuits: What’s Driving the Trend and What Comes Next?
Whistleblower-driven False Claims Act (FCA) lawsuits are on the rise, raising critical questions about the factors fueling this trend and its potential impact on enforcement. Continue Reading The Surge in FCA Whistleblower Lawsuits: What’s Driving the Trend and What Comes Next?
Fourth Circuit Holds that Violation of CIA Can Support Reverse False Claims and Adopts Relaxed Rule 9(b) Presentment Requirement
On February 3, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit reversed a district court’s grant of a motion to dismiss, holding in relevant part that:Continue Reading Fourth Circuit Holds that Violation of CIA Can Support Reverse False Claims and Adopts Relaxed Rule 9(b) Presentment Requirement
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