Limitations on the use of the False Claims Act to enforce quality of care standards.

The False Claims Act (FCA) is established as the federal government's prosecutorial weapon of choice in combating fraud and abuse in healthcare today. The FCA's substantial penalties present potential defendants with daunting risks should they elect to put the government's case to the test at trial. The government and relators have sought to extend the contours of the FCA's coverage beyond actions involving "factually false" claims to pursue cases involving alleged violations of other laws that give rise to "legally false" claims.