Doj Settlement Agreement Virginia
2022-10-03
As of June 2021, the Virginia Department of Justice (DOJ) has entered into a settlement agreement with a Virginia-based healthcare provider. The settlement resolves allegations that the provider violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims for reimbursement to Medicare and Medicaid.
Under the terms of the settlement, the healthcare provider agreed to pay $15.6 million to the federal government and the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition, the provider will be subject to a corporate integrity agreement (CIA) with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG).
The settlement resolves allegations that the provider knowingly submitted false claims for reimbursement to Medicare and Medicaid for services that were not medically necessary or were not provided as claimed. The DOJ alleged that the provider billed for services that were not supported by medical records or that were provided by unqualified personnel.
The CIA imposed as part of the settlement requires the healthcare provider to implement various compliance measures, including the appointment of a compliance officer and the establishment of compliance committees. The provider must also implement policies and procedures related to the documentation and coding of medical services, as well as employee training and education.
The settlement highlights the importance of compliance with federal and state healthcare regulations. It also underscores the government`s commitment to enforcing the False Claims Act and holding healthcare providers accountable for fraudulent billing practices.
For healthcare providers, it is essential to have effective compliance programs in place to mitigate the risk of billing errors and potential violations of federal and state healthcare regulations. This includes regular audits of billing practices, employee training on coding and documentation requirements, and comprehensive policies and procedures related to billing and reimbursement.
In conclusion, the DOJ settlement agreement with the Virginia healthcare provider serves as a reminder that healthcare providers must be vigilant in their compliance efforts to avoid potential legal and financial consequences. By implementing effective compliance programs, healthcare providers can mitigate the risks associated with potential billing errors and fraudulent practices, and ensure that they are providing high-quality and medically necessary services to patients.