By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    health benefits of taking a vacation to reduce stress
    Relaxing European Destinations to Reduce Stress Risks to Health
    October 11, 2021
    pain management tips
    Managing Pain Differently: Alternative Pain Management Techniques
    January 12, 2022
    5 Ways to Promote Wellness in Your Home
    April 12, 2022
    Latest News
    Getting Back in the Game: Sports Injuries Rehabilitation Tips
    May 31, 2023
    4 Signs It’s Time to See a Therapist
    May 24, 2023
    11 Ways To Modernize Your Private Practice
    May 17, 2023
    How to Recognize the Signs of Hormonal Imbalance in Men
    May 29, 2023
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    We Are Ruining Our Children’s Future Health
    November 22, 2011
    What is Information Therapy?
    December 21, 2011
    How Reframing a Problem Can Help Fix HealthCare: Patient Self-Management
    January 12, 2012
    Latest News
    MRI Sedation Options: What You Should Know Before Screening
    May 17, 2023
    What is the Process of Creating Medicine from Nature?
    May 2, 2023
    Choosing the Right Treatment Option for Varicose Veins
    May 2, 2023
    What Are Wrong-Site Surgeries and How Do They Occur?
    April 27, 2023
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Broward Health Agrees to Pay Almost $70M to Settle False Claims Act Allegations – Whistleblower Could Receive More Than $12M
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Aa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Aa
Search
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Policy & Law > Health Reform > Broward Health Agrees to Pay Almost $70M to Settle False Claims Act Allegations – Whistleblower Could Receive More Than $12M
Health ReformMedical EthicsNewsPolicy & Law

Broward Health Agrees to Pay Almost $70M to Settle False Claims Act Allegations – Whistleblower Could Receive More Than $12M

Jennifer Warren
Last updated: 2018/10/29 at 8:09 PM
Jennifer Warren
Share
6 Min Read
SHARE

 

On September 15, 2015, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that Broward Health, an operator of more than 50 health care facilities in South Florida, agreed to pay $69.5 million to settle False Claims Act allegations. Broward Health violated the Federal Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute by allegedly overcompensating referring physicians for services to cover up illegal kickbacks for patient referrals.

Broward County, the area covered by Broward Health, includes the major cities of Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. Broward Health is a public hospital system. It’s actual name is North Broward Hospital District.

Exposing the Illegal Scheme.

More Read

MRI sedation options

MRI Sedation Options: What You Should Know Before Screening

The Major Benefits of Service Dogs for People with Disabilities
What is the Process of Creating Medicine from Nature?
Choosing the Right Treatment Option for Varicose Veins
The Complete Guide To Endoscope Maintenance

According to the federal Stark Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute, it is illegal for health care providers to knowingly accept forms of compensation in return for referrals that result in claims paid by Medicare and Medicaid. These laws are implemented to protect patients and health care programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, from fraud and abuse. 

A former employee and whistleblower in this case, exposed Broward’s illegal practices by filing a qui tam case in 2010 under the False Claims Act (FCA). The FCA is the federal government’s primary litigation tool in combating fraud against the government. If Broward Health’s offer is accepted, the whistleblower stands to collect more than $12 million. 

Physicians Illegally Compensated.

According to the qui tam suit filed in 2010, Broward Health allegedly overcompensated its physicians for referring patients to its health care facilities. The referring physicians were paid the regular rate for services rendered, but also allegedly received additional compensation that exceeded fair market value. 

If the offer to the U.S. government is accepted, Broward Health would become the second largest hospital system in Florida to pay a substantial amount for engaging in improper financial relationships with its physicians. “Improper financial rewards given to physicians in exchange for patient referrals corrupts medical decision making and inflates health care costs,” said Special Agent in Charge Shimon R. Richmond of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). 

Fighting Government Fraud and Abuse.

This case was brought under the federal False Claims Act or “whistleblower law.” This law contains standards for both civil and criminal penalties against those falsely billing the government. False Claims Act cases, such as this recent one, are typically filed in a qui tam (or whistleblower) proceeding. This type of action involves a private party filing a lawsuit against a defendant who allegedly is defrauding the government. The “whistleblower” receives a percentage of the money recovered by the government, often millions of dollars. Usually, these types of cases protect the whistleblowers from receiving any potential prosecution or punishment due to involvement in the fraudulent actions.

Our firm has been on both sides of whistleblower or qui tam cases. We have defended physicians, medical groups and health facilities. But, we have also represented relators or plaintiffs bringing such actions to recover money on behalf of the government. A qui tam relator can receive up to 30% of the amount recovered on behalf of the government.

If you have information concerning health care fraud by overbilling federal health care programs such as Medicare or Medicaid, do not hesitate to take action. The government urges health care providers to step forward and report illegal and fraudulent activities as soon as they are uncovered. The False Claims Act provides a system of rewards that encourages whistleblowers to bring these issues to the government’s attention. 

Sources:

The National Law Review. “Florida Hospital District Agrees to Pay the U.S. Government $69.5 Million for Alleged Medicaid and Medicare Health Care Fraud; Whistleblower Will Receive Over $12 Million.” (September 17, 2015). Web.

Christensen, Dan. “Broward Health offers nearly $70 million to settle fraud case.” Sun Sentinel. (August 24, 2015). Web.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida area. The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com

 

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.

Copyright © 1996-2015 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Jennifer Warren September 25, 2015
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Copy Link Print
Share
By Jennifer Warren
This is Jennifer Warren, staff writer at GoodFirms – a review and research platform for top ecommerce development companies, blockchain development companies among many others. A bookworm at heart, I have successfully guest blogged for top sites such as Crazyegg, Semrush, Searchenginepeople, Sitepronews, Volusion.com, Socialnomics, jeffbullas, mediapost among others.
Previous Article a watched pot never boils 15 Ways A Doctor Can Get More Patients Using the Internet
Next Article images How Health IT Plans to Focus on Patient-centered Healthcare

Stay Connected

1.5k Followers Like
4.5k Followers Follow
2.8k Followers Pin
136k Subscribers Subscribe

Latest News

test
Essential Steps for Starting Your Journey as a Fitness Instructor
Fitness June 5, 2023
mimosa pudica
Health Benefits of Mimosa Pudica: The Marvel of Nature
News June 2, 2023
medical bills
Who is Responsible for Paying the Medical Bills After an Injury?
News June 1, 2023
sports injury rehabilitation
Getting Back in the Game: Sports Injuries Rehabilitation Tips
Health May 31, 2023

You Might also Like

mimosa pudica
News

Health Benefits of Mimosa Pudica: The Marvel of Nature

June 2, 2023
medical bills
News

Who is Responsible for Paying the Medical Bills After an Injury?

June 1, 2023
News

6 Hidden Health Benefits of Financial Stability

May 23, 2023
healthy cakes
Health

Indulge In Guilt-Free Desserts With These Healthy Cake Recipes

May 22, 2023
//

We influence million of users and is the most authentic source of information on healthcare business and technology news.

Quick Links

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Subscribe

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

Follow US

© 2008-2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?