The False Claims Act (FCA) is well-known as one of the most powerful tools in the government's arsenal to combat fraud, waste and abuse anywhere government funds are implicated. The U.S. Department of Justice has issued statements and guidance indicating some new thinking in the Trump Administration about its approach to FCA cases that may signal a meaningful shift in its enforcement efforts. But at the same time, newly filed FCA cases remain at historical peak levels and the DOJ has enjoyed ten straight years of nearly $3 billion or more in annual FCA recoveries. The government has also made clear that it intends vigorously to pursue any fraud, waste and abuse in connection with COVID-related stimulus funds. As much as ever, any company that deals in government funds—especially in the life sciences sector—needs to stay abreast of how the government and private whistleblowers alike are wielding this tool, and how they can prepare and defend themselves.
Please join us to discuss developments in the False Claims Act, including:
- The latest trends in FCA enforcement actions and associated litigation affecting drug and device companies providers;
- Updates on the Trump Administration's approach to FCA enforcement, including developments with recent DOJ Civil Division personnel changes and DOJ's use of its statutory dismissal authority;
- The coming surge of COVID-related FCA enforcement actions; and
- The latest developments in FCA case law, including developments in particular FCA legal theories affecting your industry and the continued evolution of how lower courts are interpreting the Supreme Court's Escobar decision.
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PANELISTS:
Stuart F. Delery is a partner in the Washington, D.C. office. He represents corporations and individuals in high-stakes litigation and investigations that involve the federal government across the spectrum of regulatory litigation and enforcement. Previously, as the Acting Associate Attorney General of the United States (the third-ranking position at the Department of Justice) and as Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division, he supervised the DOJ's enforcement efforts under the FCA, FIRREA and the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
Marian J. Lee is a partner in the Washington, D.C. office where she provides FDA regulatory and compliance counseling to life science and health care companies. She has significant experience advising clients on FDA regulatory strategy, risk management, and enforcement actions.
John D. W. Partridge is a partner in the Denver office where he focuses on white collar defense, internal investigations, regulatory inquiries, corporate compliance programs, and complex commercial litigation. He has particular experience with the False Claims Act and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA"), including advising major corporations regarding their compliance programs.
Jonathan M. Phillips is a partner in the Washington, D.C. office where he focuses on compliance, enforcement, and litigation in the health care and government contracting fields, as well as other white collar enforcement matters and related litigation. A former Trial Attorney in DOJ's Civil Fraud section, he has particular experience representing clients in enforcement actions by the DOJ, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Defense brought under the False Claims Act and related statutes.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
