Q: Specific requirements for filing HealthCare Medicare False Claims Act case in California Superior Court.
Case: hospice fraud, abuse of California Medicare.
What are specific requirements for filing HealthCare False Claims Act case in California Superior Court?
What rules of the Court define this process?
FCA cases are filed in chambers. What artifacts are required in addition to Complaint?
A:
Under California law, filing a healthcare Medicare False Claims Act (FCA) case in California Superior Court involves several specific requirements. Here are the key aspects:
1. Jurisdiction: FCA cases are typically filed in the Superior Court of the county where the defendant resides, where the false claim occurred, or where the state capitol is located (Sacramento County).
2. Sealed Complaint: The complaint must be filed in camera (in chambers) and remain under seal for at least 60 days. This means that the complaint is not initially served on the defendant or made public.
3. Artifacts to be filed with the Complaint:
a. Disclosure Statement: A written disclosure of substantially all material evidence and information the plaintiff possesses must be served on the Attorney General.
b. Proof of Service: A proof of service showing that the Attorney General has been served with the complaint and the disclosure statement.
4. Extensions of Seal Period: The Attorney General may request extensions of the 60-day seal period by filing a motion with the court, which can be granted for good cause shown.
5. Government Intervention: The Attorney General, on behalf of the state, may elect to intervene and proceed with the action within the 60-day period (or any extensions). If the government intervenes, it assumes primary responsibility for prosecuting the action.
6. Relevant Rules and Statutes:
a. California False Claims Act (CFCA): Government Code sections 12650-12656
b. California Code of Civil Procedure: Sections 425.16 (Anti-SLAPP) and 2015.5 (Declaration under penalty of perjury)
c. California Rules of Court: Rules 2.100-2.119 (Filing and Service)
It's important to note that FCA cases are complex and require adherence to strict procedural requirements. Consulting with an attorney experienced in handling FCA cases is highly recommended to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and court rules.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.