The bill’s primary intent is to prevent the growing number of mortgage fraud cases. It also broadens the scope of claims that fall under the False Claims Act. Specifically, the bill would extend the reach of the False Claims Act to include any false or fraudulent claim for government money or property, regardless of whether:
- Was the claim is presented to a government official or employee?
- Does the U.S. government has physical custody of the money?
- Did the defendant specifically intended to defraud the U.S. government?
If the bill does becomes law, it will be easier for the government and whistleblowers to succeed in false claims act cases.
The bill redefines terms in the False Claims Act to more accurately reflect the intent of the law. In particular, the term “knowingly” has been redefined which no longer requires prosecutors to prove specific intent to defraud the government.
The new language specifically states intent is not a requirement of the False Claims Act and the prosecution only needs to show the violator did one of the following, in regards to information:
- Had actual knowledge of the information
- Acted in deliberate ignorance of the truth or falsity of the information
- Acted in reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of the information.
Now the government would not be burdened with the difficult task of proving intent of fraud or abuse. How can an medical facility show that it acted without “deliberate ignorance” or “reckless disregard” will depend on their complance plan and how they are carried out. Are the medical facilities following the minimal recommendations listed in the compliance plan suggestions listed on the OIG website?
The government has said they are looking more closely at whether an organization has a strong compliance program, and based on the severity of the violation what is the medical facility doing to correct the problem so that it does not happen again. The government can offer some leniency to a medical facility that can prove it properly educated employees on claim submissions.