Bostwick Laboratories, Inc., an anatomic and pathology lab based in Uniondale, New York, has agreed to pay the United States$6,048,000 to resolve allegations regarding violations of the False Claims Act.
The qui tam complaint was filed in May 2008. It alleges that Bostwick Laboratories improperly billed Medicare and Medicaid for tests and services referred in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and for tests performed without a doctor’s order or consent. The Justice Department decided in June 2011 not to intervene in the case. In 2012, Senior District Judge S. Arthur Spiegel issued a well- reasoned order denying the defendants’ motions to dismiss. U.S. ex rel. Daugherty v. Bostwick Laboratories, et al., 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 178641 (S.D. Ohio Dec. 18, 2012).
The case against Bostwick Laboratories settled after the company entered into settlement discussions with Mr. Daugherty and the United States based on its inability to pay the full value of the damages sought in the qui tam action.
Jennifer Verkamp of Morgan Verkamp represented the relator.
The Department of Justice is represented by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Malek and Civil Division Trial Attorney Alison Cendali, of Washington, D.C., who were instrumental in reaching settlement terms with Bostwick Laboratories. The case is U.S. ex rel. Daugherty v. Bostwick Labs, et al., No. 1:08-cv-354, in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio.
Jeffrey Newman represents whistleblowers
