DOJ Opioid Case Recovery
The DOJ recently announced a $1.4 billion settlement with Reckitt Benckiser Group, PLC, resolving criminal and civil liability for the marketing of Suboxone, an opioid drug used by recovering opioid addicts. RB Group allegedly provided misleading information about product benefits to increase Suboxone prescriptions and aimed to prevent generic competition for medication. This is the federal government’s largest settlement in an opioid case. It includes $700 million in civil settlements with several government entities, $50 million in settlement with the FTC, and $647 million in forfeiture. Former company employees alleged the company oversold the safety and benefits of Suboxone, which is often prescribed to decrease opioid withdrawal symptoms in addicts. The DOJ intervened after whistleblowers filed suit.
OIG Guide for Unreported Abuse and Neglect
In response to reports that identified thousands of Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries who were potentially victims of abuse or neglect, OIG recently released a resource guide to help payors use diagnosis codes in health insurance claims to identify unreported abuse or neglect. The guide is intended to assist entities in developing their own processes to help identify unreported abuse or neglect and providers who may exhibit a pattern of abuse or neglect. It is also meant to help ensure the safety of beneficiaries and aid reporting compliance.
Virus Outbreak Deaths in VA
Health officials recently reported that three people have died after a virus outbreak at Greenspring Retirement Community in Springfield. Officials said they did not know the full medical history of the deceased residents. Reportedly approximately 63 of 263 residents and 19 employees were affected. CDC is conducting testing after the outbreak began in June.