Settlement paid to the United States by Respironics Inc. to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations for paying kickbacks in the form of call center services to durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers that brought its masks for patients with sleep apnea. The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits the knowing and willful payment of any remuneration to induce the referral of services or items that are paid for by a federal healthcare program, such as Medicare, Medicaid or TRICARE. Claims submitted to these programs in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute are also false claims under the False Claims Act. – “We hope that those who commit fraud will recognize that it is our goal to make the consequences more than just the cost of doing business.” – Bill Nettles
