The Supreme Court will hear arguments this spring on the False Claims Act knowledge standard, in a case described as 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. How the Seventh Circuit’s SuperValu Ruling Created the Loophole The issue arose from the Seventh Circuit’s … [Read more...]
Forced Arbitration Ends for Workplace Sexual Harassment Victims Under New Law
New landmark legislation ends forced arbitration for workplace victims of sexual harassment or sexual assault, ensuring they 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 … [Read more...]
Medicare Advantage Fraud: Sutter Health’s $90 Million Whistleblower Settlement
A record $90 million False Claims Act settlement over Medicare Advantage fraud allegations, obtained 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 … [Read more...]
Employer Background Check Laws: California Supreme Court 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 … [Read more...]
Protect Your Personal Information Online: Contests and Sweepstakes Are a Bad Bet
Free concert tickets or hotel rooms may sound enticing, but think twice before you provide a contest sponsor with your personal information online; 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...]