Civil Division
Affirmative Civil Enforcement
Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) represents the efforts of law enforcement to pursue the civil aspects of any case in which there has been a false or fraudulent claim presented, or a false statement made to the United States, or where the public health, welfare, or safety has been threatened. These cases may be brought instead of, or in addition to, criminal prosecution. ACE encompasses a broad range of remedies, including civil actions to obtain a money judgment in favor of the United States for recovery of monies wrongfully taken from the Government, imposition of treble damages and penalties, injunctive relief, and seizures.
ACE attorneys work with criminal AUSAs and federal, state and local agencies to share information and coordinate major health care fraud cases. To facilitate the coordination of law enforcement efforts, the Civil Health Care Fraud Coordinator works together with the Criminal Health Care Fraud Coordinator and other law enforcement agencies to maximize the ACE Unit's efforts and effectively target wrongdoers. ACE attorneys also are active in state and local health care fraud task forces to improve coordination among the various agencies involved in the fight against health care fraud. At both the state and local levels, meetings are held quarterly and serve as forums to discuss various health care fraud issues.
The ACE unit has been very successful over the last several years with settlements totaling in excess of $10 million. One of the largest settlements, for $3.2 million, concerned fraudulent ship repair claims submitted to the Navy. Another $3.24 million was recovered from a medical laboratory for improper claims it submitted to HCFA.
The ACE unit is also at the forefront of fraudulent claims against nursing homes. The ACE coordinator of the Office is a member of numerous national committees exploring ways for the federal government to respond to the unique issues these cases present. He is also co-chair of the Louisiana State Nursing Home Working Group which has been cited and commended by Senator John Breaux's Committee on Aging for its efforts in this area of fraud and abuse.