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Article: THE BRIBERY STATUTE: A NEW WEAPON AGAINST MEDICARE FRAUD.(Fischer V. United States case)
- Article from:
- Healthcare Financial Management
- Article date:
- March 1, 2001
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2001 Healthcare Financial Management Association. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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A May 2000 U.S. Supreme Court decision determining when a Federal bribery statute can be used to fight Medicare fraud has ramifications for healthcare providers in Fischer V. United States, the Court concluded that healthcare providers that participate in Medicare are considered to receive benefits as set forth in the bribery statute and thus can be prosecuted for fradulent activities against the government under the statute. The statute mandates a fine, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both for anyone convicted under it. Provider organizations that receive Medicare payments and business associates of such organizations should be aware that the government may step us ...