What does the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) mandate regarding education on the False Claims Act (FCA)?

The Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005 includes specific provisions designed to combat healthcare fraud and enhance the integrity of Medicaid and Medicare programs. One of the key mandates of the DRA is that certain organizations must provide mandatory education regarding the False Claims Act (FCA).

Particularly, the DRA stipulates that organizations that receive over $5 million in Medicaid funds must establish policies and procedures to educate their employees about the FCA and the consequences of submitting false claims. This requirement aims to ensure that employees are informed about compliance and the legal implications of fraudulent activity, thereby fostering a culture of accountability and ethical behavior within healthcare organizations.

This provision reflects the DRA's commitment to improving compliance and preventing fraud in the healthcare system, emphasizing the importance of education as a tool for organizations to mitigate the risk of illegal practices. The focus is on those who receive substantial Medicaid funding, recognizing their greater impact on the federal and state healthcare systems.