False Claims Act: 2013 Year-in-Review

The False Claims Act (FCA) saw another year of increased activity in 2013, with new qui tam suits hitting an all-time high of 753, a rise of more than 100 over 2012. In fiscal year 2013, the federal government brought in $3.8 billion—the fourth year in a row of more than $3 billion in recoveries. As in the past, the healthcare and pharmaceuticals sector accounted for the biggest share, with $2.6 billion recovered. Procurement saw a jump, more than doubling to $890 million. Financial institutions remained a substantial target, and both the government and private plaintiffs were increasingly bringing claims against recipients of grant and loan funds as well as contractors. Activity at the state level increased as well, with many states expanding the reach of their own false claims statutes, and both state attorneys general and private plaintiffs making aggressive use of new theories of liability.