Read frequently asked questions regarding the False Claims Act qui tam provisions that protect state and federal government whistleblowers, and learn about the rewards qualified qui tam whistleblowers may be eligible to receive for blowing the whistle.
What Is A Whistleblower?
There is no uniform definition of a whistleblower. However, the definition commonly used includes someone whose loyalty is to the truth, becomes an informant to the government on corporate crimes, or seeks monetary rewards under various whistleblower programs.
What Is Qui Tam?
The federal False Claims Act empowers individuals and other entities to enforce laws that prohibit fraud in government contracting. The first modern whistleblower law, the False Claims Act, incorporated qui tam as the heart of its anti-corruption powers.
What Is The False Claims Act?
The purpose of the FCA is to incentivize citizens to help the federal government police rampant military contracting fraud during the U.S. Civil War. The original law went mostly unused until 1986 when the U.S. Congress modernized its procedures and approved significant amendments.
What is a Qui Tam Relator?
In False Claims Act (“FCA”) cases, the person who brings the False Claims Act claim against the company or individual who commits fraud is called a qui tam relator.
What are Kickbacks?
Kickbacks often play a crucial role in fraud schemes designed to swindle taxpayer dollars from the United States Government. It is a general term used to describe the corrupt practice where illegal payments are made to garner preferential treatment and can be thought about as a form of bribery.
Filing a Qui Tam Lawsuit: Updated 2021
Qui tam is a lawsuit that allows persons and entities with evidence of fraud against federal programs or government contracts to sue the wrongdoer on behalf of the United States Government.
False Claims Act Guide for Healthcare Whistleblowers [2021]
Healthcare whistleblowers who witness fraud and corruption can file award claims under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act.
Coronavirus Whistleblowers
COVID-19 whistleblowers are covered by the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. This law is applicable due to the billions of dollars in federal funding allocated to fight the COVID-19, and the federal spending on health programs such as Medicaid and Medicare.
Can Federal Employees Blow The Whistle On The President?
Several federal laws permit federal employees to submit disclosures regarding violations of law or abuses of authority committed by the President of the United States or other presidential appointees.