Scripps Tagged for $1.5M in False Claims Settlement

Allegations in a whistleblower lawsuit claimed that the San Diego-based health system improperly billed government-sponsored health plans for physical therapy services.

Scripps Health will pay $1.5 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations related to improper billing for physical therapy services, the Department of Justice announced.

The services were provided by a therapist who did not have billing privileges with TRICARE or Medicare, and who was not properly supervised by a physician, DOJ said.

"Federal healthcare programs require that services are rendered by authorized providers or under the appropriate supervision of an enrolled physician," Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Civil Division Chad A. Readler said in prepared remarks. Read more »

Lockheed Martin Agrees To Pay $4.4 Million To Resolve Claims It Provided Faulty Equipment To The Coast Guard

Defense contractor Lockheed Martin Corporation has agreed to a settlement valued at $4.4 million to resolve allegations that it violated the civil False Claims Act by providing defective communications systems for the United States Coast Guard’s National Security Cutters, announced Acting United States Attorney Alex G. Tse and Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General Special Agent in Charge of the San Diego Field Office Amanda Thandi. Read more »

FHA moves closer to allaying lenders' False Claims Act fears

The Federal Housing Administration appears to have made progress in improving how loans are evaluated for minor defects, possibly removing an obstacle to growth of the FHA single-family program.

Among the factors holding back FHA growth has been lenders’ fear of liability for underwriting mistakes and other errors in the wake of high-profile enforcement actions. Read more »