False Claims Act

Course overview

The False Claims Act (FCA) is a federal law that prohibits individuals and organizations from knowingly submitting false or fraudulent claims for payment to government programs, including Medi-Cal and Medicare. Violations can result in severe civil and criminal penalties, including fines and exclusion from federal healthcare programs. Mental health professionals should understand the FCA to avoid unintentional billing errors, prevent fraudulent practices, and ensure ethical compliance in documentation and reimbursement. Awareness of the FCA helps protect both patients and providers, reinforcing integrity in healthcare and reducing the risk of legal and financial consequences.