New England Journal of Medicine Advocated for Stronger Whistle-Blower Protections

The May 13, 2010 issue of the the NEJM included an article written by physicians and public policy experts which illuminated the experiences of whistle-blowers who uncovered wrong-doing primarily by the pharmaceutical industry. The authors dubunked a commonly held myth that whistle-blowers are in it for the money, and that their "frivolous" lawsuits are lottery-like windfalls. In reality, many whistle-blowers actually come forward at personal cost and would have earned more over time had they remained silent.

The intent of the study was to obtain empirical data on the experience of whistle-blowers and through such, they hope to provide policy makers with content to create more informed health policy. No myths- just the facts.

Needed Tools for Combating Fraud

In addition to other new tools and strategies for attacking evolving healthcare fraud schemes, Lew Morris, Chief Counsel at the Office of Inspector General- Health and Human Services, is seeking statutory authority to remove corporate executives from Medicare for fraud.

http://oig.hhs.gov/testimony/docs/2010/morris_testimony61410.pdf