Which law pertains to the regulations surrounding fraudulent claims against the federal government?

The False Claims Act is the law that directly pertains to the regulations surrounding fraudulent claims against the federal government. This statute was enacted to combat fraud and abuse in government programs, particularly in healthcare and procurement. Under the False Claims Act, individuals or entities that knowingly submit or cause the submission of false claims for payment to the government can be held liable. It provides a mechanism for whistleblowers, known as "relators," to file lawsuits on behalf of the government against those committing fraud.

One significant feature of the False Claims Act is its provision for treble damages, meaning that if fraud is proven, the offending party may have to pay three times the amount of damages incurred as a result of the fraud, in addition to civil penalties for each false claim submitted. This act is critical for ensuring accountability and integrity in federal services.

While the Anti-Kickback Statute and Stark Law also address fraud and abuse in healthcare settings, they focus on specific forms of misconduct related to financial arrangements and referrals rather than the overall submission of fraudulent claims. The Qui Tam Act allows individuals to bring a lawsuit against those committing fraud on behalf of the government but is often discussed in the context of the False Claims Act, which encompasses the broader regulations regarding the fraudulent claims submitted to