The HHS Office of Inspector General's (OIG) latest its Semiannual Report to Congress highlights top audits, investigations, and enforcement activities for the period of April 1 to September 30, 2016 and summarizes overall accomplishments for fiscal year (FY) 2016. Notably, the OIG reports:

  • Expected FY 2016 recoveries will exceed $5.66 billion, including nearly $1.2 billion in audit receivables and about $4.46 billion in investigative receivables.
  • A total of 844 criminal actions against individuals or entities that engaged in crimes against HHS programs.
  • A total of 708 civil actions, including false claims and unjust-enrichment lawsuits filed in federal district court, civil monetary penalty settlements, and administrative recoveries related to provider self-disclosure matters.
  • Exclusions of 3,635 individuals and entities from participation in federal health care programs

During the period of April 1, 2016, to September 30, 2016, the OIG received 20 requests for advisory opinions and issued six opinions. The report also features the OIG's response to proposals for new or revised safe harbors to the anti-kickback statute.

This article is presented for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.