Webcast: The False Claims Act – 2019 Mid-Year Update: Health Care and Life Sciences Sector

October 15, 2019

The False Claims Act (FCA) is well-known as one of the most powerful tools in the government’s arsenal to combat fraud, waste and abuse anywhere government funds are implicated. The U.S. Department of Justice has recently issued statements and guidance indicating some new thinking about its approach to FCA cases that may signal a meaningful shift in its enforcement efforts. But at the same time, newly filed FCA cases remain at historical peak levels and the DOJ has enjoyed eight straight years of nearly $3 billion or more in annual FCA recoveries. As much as ever, any company that deals in government funds—especially in the health care and life sciences sector—needs to stay abreast of how the government and private whistleblowers alike are wielding this tool, and how they can prepare and defend themselves.

Please join us to discuss developments in the FCA, including:

  • The latest trends in FCA enforcement actions and associated litigation affecting drug and device companies;
  • Updates on the Trump Administration’s approach to FCA enforcement, including developments with the Yates Memo, guidance on cooperation credit in FCA cases, and DOJ’s use of its statutory dismissal authority;
  • Notable legislative and administrative developments affecting the FCA’s statutory framework and application; and
  • The latest developments in FCA case law, including recent Supreme Court jurisprudence and the continued evolution of how lower courts are interpreting the Supreme Court’s Escobar decision.

View Slides (PDF)

PANELISTS:

Stuart F. Delery is a partner in the Washington, D.C. office. He represents corporations and individuals in high-stakes litigation and investigations that involve the federal government across the spectrum of regulatory litigation and enforcement. Previously, as the Acting Associate Attorney General of the United States (the third-ranking position at the Department of Justice) and as Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division, he supervised the DOJ’s enforcement efforts under the FCA, FIRREA and the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

Marian J. Lee is a partner in the Washington, D.C. office where she provides FDA regulatory and compliance counseling to life science and health care companies. She has significant experience advising clients on FDA regulatory strategy, risk management, and enforcement actions.

John D. W. Partridge is a partner in the Denver office where he focuses on white collar defense, internal investigations, regulatory inquiries, corporate compliance programs, and complex commercial litigation. He has particular experience with the False Claims Act and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), including advising major corporations regarding their compliance programs.

Jonathan M. Phillips is a partner in the Washington, D.C. office, where his practice focuses on FDA and health care compliance, enforcement, and litigation, as well as other government enforcement matters and related litigation. He has substantial experience representing pharmaceutical and medical device clients in investigations by the DOJ, FDA, and HHS OIG. Previously, he served as a Trial Attorney in DOJ’s Civil Division, Fraud Section, where he investigated and prosecuted allegations of fraud under the FCA and related statutes.