Health Article: Fundamentals of Qui Tam Avoidance: Keeping the Whistle Away From Potential Whistleblowers
11/1/2000
Since 1986, the qui tam (whistleblower) provisions of the federal False Claims Act have created strong financial incentives for someone with knowledge of possible wrongdoing to sue healthcare providers on behalf of the Federal Government for the alleged submission of false claims to federal health programs. Nearly all large and many mid-sized and smaller providers have endured the expense and dislocation caused by being named a defendant in a qui tam suit. Although there is no way to be totally protected from qui tam complaints, this article discusses steps for implementing a qui tam avoidance program. Sound business practices, including compliance with all guidelines of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and maintaining healthy relationships with employees, can help minimize the risks of such complaints.
