False Claims Act’s Armor Follows Worker After Firing, Court Says

The False Claims Act protects former employees who allege post-termination retaliation, the Sixth Circuit ruled Wednesday when it revived a Michigan doctor’s complaint alleging William Beaumont Hospital blacklisted him after he blew the whistle on kickbacks and was fired.

David Felten filed a qui tam complaint in 2010, accusing his then-employer of violating the FCA and the Michigan Medicaid False Claims Act by paying kickbacks to physicians in exchange for patient referrals. Felten later amended his complaint to include claims of retaliation that took place after he filed his initial complaint. He alleges the employer intentionally maligned him and prevented ...