212-577-9231
It was recently reported, that, after four different employees blew the whistle on false and inflated claims to Medicare and Medicaid, two healthcare concerns have admitted responsibility and agreed to pay a $14.7 million settlement. One was Health Quest Systems, Inc., a New York-based family of hospitals and healthcare providers delivering medical, surgical and home healthcare services. The other was Putnam Health Center (PHC), a Health Quest subsidiary based in Carmel Hamlet, New York.
Self-referrals, lack of documentation lead to $14.7 million case
Veterans Affairs whistleblowers subject to retaliation
When an employee sees something amiss at work, there shouldn't be a reason to stop them from doing something to resolve the issue. Fear of losing work or facing ridicule and mistreatment prevents some employees from speaking up even though they should expect protection for doing so.
Virtue of patience is vital for whistleblowers
As a concept, whistleblowing is a two-edged sword. Sometimes, both edges are positive. This is perhaps most clear on a field of play under the control of referees. On one hand, when an official blows the whistle, one side or the other faces penalties for breaking the rules. On the other, the whistle stops the action, preventing unnecessary injury to players.
Broader appeal routes open for federal whistleblower claimants
Sports teams put a lot of stock in the concept of the home-field advantage. One can argue whether there is any truth to it. Many observers suggest that any edge provided is mainly psychological. Regardless, the topic seems to be a significant point of any contest conversation
Company settles major False Claims Act case for $14.4 million
In 2009, the National Energy and Technology Laboratory (NETL) awarded a $14-million cooperative agreement to a company called North American Power Group Ltd. (NAPG) to collect and analyze carbon data and to design and implement carbon sequestration wells in Wyoming. NAPG's owner, Michael Ruffatto, represented the company and authorized its invoices. Between 2009 and 2012, he billed NETL some $5.7 million for project-related costs.
Whistleblower's act brings $550,000 patient dumping settlement
Officials from Los Angeles County recently announced a settlement with Silver Lake Medical Center, a psychiatric hospital in that city, over allegations that the hospital improperly discharged homeless psychiatric patients to avoid the cost of treating them.
