In a statement, Assistant Attorney General for the DOJ’s Civil Division, Jody Hunt said, “This settlement demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that those who participate in federal healthcare programs follow the rules. Medicare and Medicaid providers who seek to profit inappropriately at the expense of taxpayers will be held accountable.”
Whistleblowers filed lawsuits on behalf of the government against Encompass Health
Three whistleblowers filed lawsuits on behalf of the federal government against Encompass Health.
The plaintiffs include Dr. Emese Simon, a former contract physician at the company’s IRF in Sarasota, Florida; Melissa Higgins, former Director of Therapy Operations at the company’s IRF in Arlington, Texas; and Dr. Darius Clarke, the former Medical Director at the company’s IRF in Richmond, Virginia and his company, Restorative Health & Wellness P.L.L.C.
They sued Encompass Health under the qui tam or whistle provision of the False Claims Act. The whistleblower’s collective share from the settlement is $12.4 million.
