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COVID-19

DOJ Announces Coordinated Law Enforcement Action to Combat Health Care Fraud Related to COVID-19, Including Two South Florida Kickback Schemes

Today, Wednesday, May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice announced criminal charges against a telemedicine company executive, physician, marketers, and medical business owners for COVID-19 related fraud schemes. More specifically, the DOJ announced criminal charges against 14 defendants, including 11 newly-charged defendants and three who were charged in superseding indictments, in seven federal districts across the United States for their alleged participation in various health care fraud schemes that exploited the COVID-19 pandemic and resulted in over $143 million in false billings. Included in those… Read More »DOJ Announces Coordinated Law Enforcement Action to Combat Health Care Fraud Related to COVID-19, Including Two South Florida Kickback Schemes

U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Announces Task Force to Combat COVID-19 Fraud

On May 17, 2021, the Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs, ANNOUNCED that the Attorney General directed the establishment of the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the DOJ to enhance enforcement efforts against COVID-19 related fraud. The Task Force FACT SHEET and AG Memorandum makes clear that “The Department of Justice will use every available federal tool – including criminal, civil, and administrative actions – to combat and prevent COVID-19 related fraud. We look forward to working with our… Read More »U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Announces Task Force to Combat COVID-19 Fraud

Governor DeSantis signed SB 72 – Providing Protections from COVID-Related Civil Lawsuits

The bill, SB 72, provides if a court determines that the defendant made “a good faith effort” to comply with government health guidelines, there is immunity from civil liability. If the court determines that the defendant “did not make such a good faith effort,” the plaintiff may proceed with the action. However, the plaintiff carries a heightened burden of proof – “absent at least gross negligence proven by clear and convincing evidence, the defendant is not liable for any act or omission relating to a… Read More »Governor DeSantis signed SB 72 – Providing Protections from COVID-Related Civil Lawsuits