Healthcare Fraud Self-Disclosure of FCA Violations to DOJ: Protocol, Pros and Cons, Lessons From Recent Settlements

Ms. Barnes counsels clients in high-stakes matters related to fraud allegations, including in healthcare, federal contract procurement, and securities and financial services. A former trial attorney with the U.S. DOJ, she has extensive experience handling issues related to compliance, white-collar and regulatory investigations, and complex commercial litigation. Ms. Barnes represents businesses in public and non-public investigations, regulatory inquiries, and proceedings involving federal and state agencies. She frequently assists clients navigating government investigations related to allegations arising under the False Claims Act, Anti-Kickback Statute, Stark Law, and FIRREA. Ms. Barnes is also a recognized leader in her practice, frequently participating in various speaking engagements and authoring articles on critical topics such as cybersecurity, government contract billing, financial data rights, and developments related to the FCA. 

Ms. Downs’ commanding knowledge of the False Claims Act, Anti-Kickback Statute, and Stark Law safeguards healthcare clients’ products, services, and ensures operational success. Clients, which range from providers to device manufacturers and ambulatory centers, depend on her in-depth understanding of the fraud and abuse laws and what triggers government authorities to take exception. As regulatory counsel, Ms. Downs aligns clients’ risk tolerance with commercial opportunities to create a path forward. As value-based care expands, she is preparing clients to meet related challenges on fraud and abuse laws and the interactions by and between healthcare referral sources.