What does the Qui Tam provision allow an individual to do?

The Qui Tam provision, part of the False Claims Act, allows an individual, often referred to as a "whistleblower," to file a lawsuit on behalf of the United States government against individuals or entities accused of defrauding the government. This is particularly relevant in the healthcare sector, where fraudulent claims related to Medicare or Medicaid can occur. By enabling individuals to report such wrongful acts, the Qui Tam provision encourages the detection and prevention of fraud against government programs. If the lawsuit is successful, the whistleblower may receive a percentage of the recovered funds as a reward, which serves as an incentive for individuals to come forward with information regarding violations.

Understanding this provision is crucial, as it plays a significant role in the enforcement of healthcare regulations and promotes accountability among healthcare providers.