“Providers participating in clinical trials funded by federal health care programs must abide by specific guidelines that safeguard these programs,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Fernando Porras of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Providers will be held accountable if they bill for services outside the rules governing reimbursement. Together, with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to maintain the fiscal integrity of federal healthcare programs.”
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and HHS-OIG.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The matter was handled by Trial Attorney Gary Dyal of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Randy Harwell and Carolyn Tapie for the Middle District of Florida.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Back to HCB News
