Summary of article from Dorsey & Whitney LLP, by Nicole Engisch, Seth Goertz, Sarah Malham, Mara Sanders:
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is increasingly using Honest Services Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1346) to prosecute bribery, kickbacks, and other improper payments in the healthcare industry, in addition to traditional mechanisms like the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Federal False Claims Act. The honest services fraud law is especially useful as it covers areas not reached by the Anti-Kickback Statute, which is limited to federally funded healthcare programs. Recent court cases have upheld convictions based on honest services fraud, indicating its growing relevance in combating healthcare fraud. Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare practitioners and administrators to carefully review payment arrangements and financial interests that intersect with patient service delivery, ensuring full disclosure of relevant financial interests.