Justice Department Secures $26 Million Judgment in False Claims Case

The U.S. Department of Justice has obtained default judgments totaling over $26 million against Patrick Britton-Harr and several laboratory companies he owned. The judgments, entered on July 18 by the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, come after Britton-Harr and his companies failed to defend against allegations of violating the False Claims Act.

The case stems from a complaint filed by the United States on July 18, 2023, alleging that Britton-Harr and his companies, including Provista Health, LLC, exploited the COVID-19 pandemic by offering COVID-19 tests to nursing homes as a pretext to bill Medicare for medically unnecessary respiratory pathogen panel (RPP) tests. The complaint asserted that these tests were performed on beneficiaries without respiratory illness symptoms and for uncommon pathogens.

More egregiously, the complaint alleged that Britton-Harr and Provista Health submitted claims for RPP tests that were neither ordered by physicians nor performed. In over 300 instances, claims were reportedly filed for tests on deceased beneficiaries, with sample collection dates occurring after their deaths.

The case took a dramatic turn when Britton-Harr violated a court order by selling his Annapolis house for $575,000 and dissipating the proceeds, despite being prohibited from doing so without court approval. On March 4, the court held Britton-Harr in civil contempt and ordered him to deposit $575,000 with the court's registry.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton emphasized the Justice Department's commitment to holding accountable those who exploited the pandemic for financial gain. U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron condemned the exploitation of federal healthcare programs designed to assist the elderly and disabled during a national crisis.

FBI Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno highlighted the extent of Britton-Harr's fraud, stating it diverted critical resources from the healthcare system and cost taxpayers significantly. The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General also played a crucial role in the investigation.

This case underscores the government's ongoing efforts to combat healthcare fraud, particularly through the False Claims Act. The public is encouraged to report potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement to the HHS hotline.

As the legal proceedings continue, this case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences facing those who attempt to defraud federal health insurance programs, especially during times of national crisis.

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