A look back at the week’s news and developments affecting whistleblowers.

Guardian Elder Care to Pay $15.4 Million to Resolve False Claims Allegations for Unnecessary Rehabilitation Therapy Services

Guardian Elder Care Holdings, Inc. and its related entities have agreed to pay $15.4 million to resolve False Claims Acts allegations that they overbilled Medicare for medically unnecessary rehabilitation therapy services. Guardian operated more than 50 nursing facilities through Pennsylvania. From 2011 to 2017, Guardian caused facilities to bill patients at the highest rate of Medicare reimbursement, when services at that level were not needed. The lawsuit was originally filed by two former Guardian employees and they will receive approximately $2.8 million for their share of the recovery. Click here for the DOJ’s press release.

Trump’s Attack on Vindman May Violate Whistleblower Protection Laws, but Challenging It Could Be Risky

Whistleblower advocates warn that President Trump’s moves against impeachment witnesses may be illegal. On February 7, a crucial witness in the House Impeachment Inquiry last fall, Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, was prematurely transferred back to the Pentagon from his position at the White House National Security Council. Under the Military Whistleblower Protection Act, members of the armed forces cannot face retaliation for certain “protected communications,” including Congressional testimony. However, it’s unlikely that the inspector general for the Department of Defense will request an investigation into his removal. To read the full story from Time, click here.

Tenet Healthcare Settles False Claims Act Allegations for $1.41 Million

Tenet Healthcare and its affiliated hospital, both located in Palm Springs, California, have agreed to pay $1.41 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by charging Medicare for implanting unnecessary cardiac monitors. The settlement resolved allegations brought forth by a former DRMC employee under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. He will receive $240,789 for his share of the recovery. To read more, click here.

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