TAMPA, FL – H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute has reached a settlement in a lawsuit over improper billing for clinical trial costs. According to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice, the Tampa-based non-profit cancer treatment and research center has agreed to pay more than $19.5 million. The settlement resolves allegations that Moffitt violated the False Claims Act by billing federal health care programs for clinical research studies that were not eligible for reimbursement.
The lawsuit claimed that Moffitt wrongly billed Medicare and other federal programs for research trials that should have been billed to non-government trial sponsors. In response to these allegations, Moffitt conducted an independent investigation and compliance review. They voluntarily provided the government with a written disclosure of their findings.
Throughout the investigation, Moffitt cooperated with the government and implemented appropriate measures to address the issue. As a result, they have reached a settlement with the federal government for approximately $18.2 million, with an additional $1.3 million to be paid to the state Medicaid program.
Brian M. Boynton, the principal deputy assistant attorney general and head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, emphasized the importance of healthcare providers complying with rules and regulations. He commended Moffitt for their timely self-disclosure, cooperation during the investigation, and implementation of remedial measures.
In conclusion, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute has agreed to pay over $19.5 million to settle allegations that they improperly billed federal health care programs for clinical research studies. By making timely self-disclosures, cooperating with investigations, and taking appropriate remedial measures, healthcare providers can mitigate the consequences of violating their obligations.