Client industry: National Private Hospice Chain
Type of case: False Claims Act
Court: U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Florida
Amount in dispute: Undetermined (over $10 million)
Result: Declination
A False Claims Act investigation into operations at three facilities of a national private hospice provider. The investigation focused on allegations of improper financial relationships and offers of renumeration with referral sources, as well as allegations of improper and medically unnecessary use of in-patient care.
The government investigation relied on investigatory depositions and comprehensive document productions. The investigation, as well as expert review of medical records by an outside consultant revealed no inappropriate financial relationships or promises of renumeration, and that the use of in-patient and other patient was both appropriate and medically necessary.
The findings of the investigation and review were presented to the Department of Justice and United States Attorney and resulted in a declination of the case. Additionally, relator voluntarily dismissed the underlying action after it was unsealed.