Healthcare Fraud and Abuse Law

In this specialized course tailored for aspiring lawyers, students are immersed in the intricate legal landscape surrounding fraudulent and abusive practices within the healthcare sector. As global healthcare expenditures rise, protecting the system against unethical behaviors becomes paramount. This course provides a deep dive into the statutes, regulations, and case laws that frame and combat healthcare fraud and abuse, including foundational statutes like the False Claims Act, the Anti-Kickback Statute, the Stark Law, and corresponding federal and state regulations. Students will benefit from real-world case studies, gaining insights into landmark decisions and their subsequent implications. The curriculum also guides students through nuanced legal interpretations of terms such as "fraud," "abuse," and "kickbacks"; the enforcement mechanisms spearheaded by agencies like the Department of Justice and the Office of Inspector General; defensive strategies like internal audits and risk assessments for healthcare entities; and the ethical considerations lawyers must navigate in this domain. Emphasis is also placed on emerging trends in healthcare fraud, especially in the context of digital advancements such as electronic health records and telemedicine in the context of fraud and abuse.