OIG Fall 2015 Semiannual Report to Congress

The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) has issued its Semiannual Report to Congress covering April 1 – September 30, 2015. The report summarizes significant OIG audits, investigations, and enforcement activities during this period and includes key accomplishments for the full fiscal year (FY) 2015. According to the report, the OIG expects recoveries of about . 35 billion for FY 2015, consisting of nearly $1.13 billion in audit receivables and more than $2.22 billion in investigative receivables. The OIG also reports 925 criminal actions against individuals or entities that engaged in crimes against HHS programs for FY 2015. With regard to civil actions, the OIG reports 682 civil actions during the fiscal year, including false claims and unjust-enrichment lawsuits filed in federal district court, civil monetary penalties settlements, and administrative recoveries related to provider self-disclosure matters. In addition, the OIG excluded 4,112 individuals and entities from participation in federal health care programs in FY 2015. During the period of April 1, 2015, to September 30, 2015, the OIG received 21 requests for advisory opinions and issued 8 opinions. The report also includes a discussion of the OIG’s response to proposals for new or revised safe harbors to the anti-kickback statute.