Bass, Berry & Sims attorney Matt Curley discusses practical steps that healthcare providers should consider in order to reduce the risk of employees and third parties pursuing whistleblower lawsuits under the False Claims Act (FCA). According to Matt, the following precautions could lessen the chances of whistleblowers filing claims:
- Improve visibility – “‘When compliance leaders are visible and relatable, employees will feel more comfortable going to them with concerns.'”
- Conduct training – Live, in-person training is recommended when possible.
- Close the loop – When possible, it is important to provide feedback to employees who have raised compliance concerns.
- Remember third-party whistleblowers – Healthcare providers should evaluate agreements with third parties and determine whether additional protections against whistleblowing can be inserted into those agreements.
The full article, “How to Avoid Whistle-blower Lawsuits: 4 Key Tips for Healthcare Leaders,” was published by Becker’s Hospital Review on February 10, 2016 and is available online.