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When Constitutional Theory Collides With Health Care Accountability—The False Claims ...

jamanetwork.com

The False Claims Act's qui tam provisions pit constitutional separation-of-powers theory against whistleblower accountability — and the collision could reshape how America polices healthcare fraud.

Separation of PowersPrincipal-Agent ProblemPublic Choice TheoryConstitutional Originalism

Theory Briefing

  • The FCA allows private 'relators' to sue on the government's behalf for fraud, splitting enforcement power between citizens and the state.
  • Constitutional theory questions whether empowering private relators violates the separation of powers by delegating executive prosecutorial authority to individuals.
  • The outcome of this legal tension could determine how billions in government healthcare fraud are detected and recovered each year.