The United States Supreme Court ruled in Conchise Consultancy v. U.S, ex rep. Hunt, ruled that the time limit provision of the False Claims Act still applied to private parties when the government fails to intervene.
The False Claim Act provides that actions must be brought within three years after the “official of the United States charged with responsibility to act in the circumstances” knew or should have known the relevant facts, but not more than 10 years after the violation.
The Court clarified the statute of limitations in False Claims Act cases regardless of whether the government choses to intervene.
“We do not anticipate the Court’s ruling to cause an increase in the number of file quit tam lawsuits,” said whistleblower lawyer W. Stacy Miller, II of Miller Law Group. “It only applies a small number of cases.”
The False Claims Act allows whistleblowers with evident of fraud against government programs, to file qui tam claims on behalf of the government. The FCA allows whistleblower to receive a percentage of any recover, while also enjoy protection against retaliation.
In 2018, the Department of Justice recovery $3.7 billion under the False Claims Act, with $2.5 billion attribute to the healthcare industry.
For questions regarding becoming a whistleblower, contact Miller Law Group for a free consultation, or call 919-348-4361.
Whistleblower Protection for Reporting Medicare & Medicaid Fraud
Whistleblowers and The False Claims Act – Frequently Asked Questions