Fraud in Lexington area nursing homes can affect many parties. For residents, a failure to provide a service as promised can lead to a sub-par living arrangement or devastate a patient’s finances. At the highest level, nursing home fraud may even violate federal law.
A collection of state and federal agencies take an interest in investigating these instances of deceit and often rely on whistleblowers to come forward with new information. The role of these individuals is so vital that there is typically a reward for providing this evidence. A Lexington nursing home fraud whistleblower lawyer could help you if you have information about a crime that violates state or federal law. Reach out to our uniquely qualified team of whistleblower attorneys today.
Many instances of fraud that occur in Lexington nursing homes are violations of federal law. Almost all nursing homes receive federal funding or payment through the Medicaid or Medicare programs. As a result, these facilities must follow all applicable federal regulations.
A typical example is the False Claims Act under 31 United States Code § 3729. This law makes it a crime to submit any false demand for payment from the federal government. If a nursing home is seeking Medicaid reimbursement for individuals who do not currently live in the facility or claiming to have provided care that has not taken place, this is likely a violation of the False Claims Act. A Lexington nursing home fraud whistleblower attorney could provide more information about these regulations and common ways in which assisted living facilities may be in violation.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the state legislature have taken an active role in protecting the rights and safety of nursing home residents. Because of this, the state’s Nursing Home Residents’ Bill of Rights outlines how these facilities must handle the finances associated with providing care. Examples of behavior that may violate this group of laws include:
A violation of state laws is just as severe as those that appear to violate federal rules. A Lexington convalescent home whistleblower attorney could help individuals submit fraud reports to state regulatory agencies.
Whether a person is coming forward as a whistleblower to a state or federal agency, they have the right to demand a reward for their information. The formal way to do this is to submit a writ of Qui Tam. However, not every whistleblower will receive these payments. The information that they provide to the government must be new. In addition, it must lead directly to a conviction that recovers funds.
31 United States Code § 3730(c)(5) states that if eligible for an award, it can be between 15 to 25 percent of the amount that investigations recover for instances of federal crimes. Similar payment structures apply to state cases. A Lexington attorney could help people seek the rewards they deserve for their valuable information regarding personal care home fraud.
Nursing homes are common sites of fraud in Lexington and the rest of the state. Overcharging patients, creating false documentation, and even alleging care for patients not in a facility may violate both state and federal fraud laws. If you have information that these crimes have occurred, you may serve as a whistleblower to bring responsible parties to justice. You might also receive a reward for your information.
A Lexington nursing home fraud whistleblower lawyer could help submit your information along with a writ of Qui Tam and ensure you are legally protected from retaliation. Contact our firm now to learn more about your options.
