The Supreme Court will hear arguments this spring about the “biggest threat” the False Claims Act has faced since it was modernized four decades ago. It’s an issue that could undercut the FCA’s ability to hold bad actors accountable and recover taxpayer money—$72 billion and counting since the statute was revamped in 1986. The issue arose from the Seventh Circuit’s decision in U.S. ex rel. Schutte v. SuperValu Inc. nearly two years ago. That ruling defines the FCA’s knowledge of fraud … [Read more...]
New law: Workplace sexual harassment victims can’t be silenced
New landmark legislation ensures workplace victims of sexual harassment or sexual assault can have their days in court — regardless of whatever clauses may be folded into their employment contracts. During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we wanted to highlight this new federal protection for workers. Last month, President Joe Biden signed into law the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act of 2021, which passed with bipartisan support. In a nutshell, when … [Read more...]
Sutter Health settlement part of record year for whistleblower recoveries
A record $90 million False Claims Act settlement for the government as a result of a whistleblower lawsuit by a Keller Grover client was among the cases highlighted by the U.S. Department of Justice in a recent announcement touting its 2021 recoveries under the Act. On Feb. 1, Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton announced DOJ had recovered more than $5.6 billion from False Claims Act settlements and judgments in the 2021 fiscal year, the largest amount since 2014 and the … [Read more...]
California Supreme Court ruling protects job seekers’ privacy
A job search is tough enough without having to worry that a potential employer is getting a little too nosy. Obviously, employers (as well as landlords and others) need some background information from applicants, particularly for certain types of jobs. But there are — and should be — limits. A recent California Supreme Court decision came down on the side of job seekers, clarifying more comprehensive protection of the handling of their personal information. In California, two main laws … [Read more...]
Do Contests and Sweepstakes Protect Your Data? Don’t Bet on It.
Free concert tickets or hotel rooms may sound enticing, but think twice before you provide a contest sponsor with your private information; it may or may not be in safe hands. Case in point: In Portland, Ore., more than 13,000 people had their information leaked when a radio station employee left data cartridges in a backpack in his car. The cartridges, which contained “personal information from listeners,” were stolen. The data included names, Social Security numbers, payment card … [Read more...]