CHC Whistleblower Protections and Reporting Mechanisms

Question 1

Under the False Claims Act, what term describes a lawsuit filed by a private individual on behalf of the federal government to report fraud?

Accepted Answer

Qui tam action

Answer

Class action

Answer

Declaratory action

Answer

Mandamus action

Question 2

What percentage of the government's recovery can a qui tam relator typically receive when the government intervenes in a False Claims Act case?

Accepted Answer

15–30%

Answer

5–10%

Answer

35–50%

Answer

55–70%

Question 3

Which federal law contains the primary anti-retaliation provisions protecting healthcare employees who report fraud against government programs?

Accepted Answer

False Claims Act

Answer

ERISA

Answer

OSHA Act

Answer

EMTALA

Question 4

Under the False Claims Act, what is the statute of limitations for filing a qui tam lawsuit?

Accepted Answer

6 years from violation or 3 years after government knew, whichever is later (max 10 years)

Answer

1 year from discovery

Answer

3 years from the date of the violation

Answer

5 years from when the employer learned of the violation

Question 5

What remedies does the False Claims Act provide to a whistleblower who was wrongfully terminated for protected reporting activity?

Accepted Answer

Reinstatement, double back pay, and attorneys' fees

Answer

Reinstatement only

Answer

Back pay only

Answer

Punitive damages capped at $10,000

Question 6

What is the 'first-to-file' rule under the False Claims Act?

Accepted Answer

Only the first qui tam complaint filed regarding a particular fraud scheme may proceed

Answer

The government must file charges before a private relator can file suit

Answer

Whistleblowers must report to their employer before filing suit in court

Answer

The government has first right to all recovered funds before the relator receives a share

Question 7

Which agency operates the primary federal hotline (1-800-HHS-TIPS) for reporting Medicare and Medicaid fraud?

Accepted Answer

Office of Inspector General (OIG)

Answer

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Answer

Department of Justice (DOJ)

Answer

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)