Meredith Auten
Philadelphia
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Articles by Meredith Auten
DOJ Fraud Division Issues New Corporate Enforcement Priorities
Assistant U.S. Attorney General (AAG) Colin McDonald recently issued Directive 26-12, "Corporate Enforcement in the Fight Against Fraud," which establishes new enforcement priorities and procedures for the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) National Fraud Enforcement Division (NFED).
DOJ Revises Justice Manual, Addressing Sub-Regulatory Guidance and Qui Tam Dismissal Authority
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) revised its Justice Manual to prohibit criminal and civil enforcement actions based solely on noncompliance with sub-regulatory agency guidance documents, reinforcing that liability must be anchored in binding statutes or regulations. DOJ also strengthened its qui tam dismissal framework by directing evaluation of whistleblower suits at the point of declination and throughout litigation, creating new opportunities for defendants to seek early resolution.
FCA Ruling May Open Door To Redacting Defendants' Names
By Meredith Auten, Jessica Sievert and Ashley Stuart ( September 25, 2026, 6:18 PM EDT) -- It has long been the prevailing view among federal courts that once a False Claims Act qui tam action is unsealed, the defendants' identities remain part of the public record, regardless of how the case concludes.... Law360 is on it, so you are, too. A Law360 subscription puts you at the center of fast-moving legal issues, trends and developments so you can act with speed and confidence.
Health Law Daily Wrap Up , EXPERT INSIGHTS—Federal Court Orders Redaction Of Physician-Defendants' Names In Dismissed FCA Qui Tam Action , (Sep 9, 2026)
By Meredith Auten and Jessica R. Sievert of Holland & Knight Highlights In a significant development for healthcare providers facing False Claims Act (FCA) qui tam litigation, a judge in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida has ordered the redaction of two physician-defendants' names from all unsealed filings in a non-intervened and dismissed case.
Tick Tock – The Wait Is Over: Eleventh Circuit Upholds FCA Qui Tam Constitutionality
HK Holland & Knight More Holland & Knight is a global law firm with nearly 2,000 lawyers in offices throughout the world. Our attorneys provide representation in litigation, business, real estate, healthcare and governmental law. Interdisciplinary practice groups and industry-based teams provide clients with access to attorneys throughout the firm, regardless of location.
Federal Court Orders Redaction Of Physician-Defendants' Names In Dismissed FCA Qui Tam Action
Meredith Auten’s articles from Holland & Knight are most popular: in United Kingdom with readers working within the Advertising & Public Relations, Banking & Credit and Healthcare industries Holland & Knight are most popular: within Insurance and International Law topic(s) In a significant development for healthcare providers facing False Claims Act (FCA) qui tam litigation, a judge in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida has ordered the redaction of two...
Federal Court Orders Redaction of Physician-Defendants' Names in Dismissed FCA Qui Tam Action
In a significant development for healthcare providers facing False Claims Act (FCA) qui tam litigation, a judge in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida has ordered the redaction of two physician-defendants' names from all unsealed filings in a non-intervened and dismissed case.
Federal Court Orders Redaction of Physician-Defendants' Names in Dismissed FCA Qui Tam Action
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Tick Tock – The Wait Is Over: Eleventh Circuit Upholds FCA Qui Tam Constitutionality
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit has issued its long-awaited decision in U.S. ex rel. Zafirov v. Florida Medical Associates LLC, holding that qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act (FCA) do not violate the U.S. Constitution's Article II Appointments Clause. The Eleventh Circuit vacated the district court's landmark ruling of unconstitutionality and remanded the case for further proceedings.
Federal Court Orders Redaction of Physician-Defendants' Names in Dismissed FCA Qui Tam Action
In a significant development for healthcare providers facing False Claims Act (FCA) qui tam litigation, a judge in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida has ordered the redaction of two physician-defendants' names from all unsealed filings in a non-intervened and dismissed case.
Tick Tock: Wait For Definitive Ruling Continues As Courts Confront FCA Qui Tam Constitutionality
HK Holland & Knight More Holland & Knight is a global law firm with nearly 2,000 lawyers in offices throughout the world. Our attorneys provide representation in litigation, business, real estate, healthcare and governmental law. Interdisciplinary practice groups and industry-based teams provide clients with access to attorneys throughout the firm, regardless of location.
Tick Tock: Wait for Definitive Ruling Continues as Courts Confront FCA Qui Tam Constitutionality
The question of constitutionality of the False Claims Act's (FCA) qui tam provisions has started to gain traction in subtle ways. Three U.S. Supreme Court justices recently recommended revisiting the issue, and the constitutionality question is actively being considered by multiple federal circuits. This Holland & Knight alert summarizes the current state of play as the legal community awaits a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
DOJ Announces Enforcement Priorities For National Fraud Enforcement Division
Holland & Knight are most popular: within Insurance topic(s) with readers working within the Technology industries The U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) new National Fraud Enforcement pision (Fraud pision) consolidates and significantly expands the Department's fraud enforcement capabilities under a single, dedicated pision.
DOJ Announces Expansion of Healthcare Fraud Enforcement in Greater Philadelphia
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on August 4, 2026, held a joint press conference to announce a new District Anti-Fraud Initiative in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, in addition to charges against 19 defendants for alleged Medicaid fraud schemes.
DOJ Announces Expansion Of Healthcare Fraud Enforcement In Greater Philadelphia
HK Holland & Knight More Holland & Knight is a global law firm with nearly 2,000 lawyers in offices throughout the world. Our attorneys provide representation in litigation, business, real estate, healthcare and governmental law. Interdisciplinary practice groups and industry-based teams provide clients with access to attorneys throughout the firm, regardless of location.
DOJ Announces Expansion of Healthcare Fraud Enforcement in Greater Philadelphia
We've updated our Privacy Statement. Before you continue, please read our new Privacy Statement and familiarize yourself with the terms.
DOJ Announces Expansion of Healthcare Fraud Enforcement in Greater Philadelphia
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on August 4, 2026, held a joint press conference to announce a new District Anti-Fraud Initiative in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, in addition to charges against 19 Defendants for alleged Medicaid fraud schemes.
DOJ Announces Expansion of Healthcare Fraud Enforcement in Greater Philadelphia
We've updated our Privacy Statement. Before you continue, please read our new Privacy Statement and familiarize yourself with the terms. Highlights The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on August 4, 2026, held a joint press conference to announce a new District Anti-Fraud Initiative in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, in addition to charges against 19 defendants for alleged... This content is locked. To view the locked content, sign in.
DOJ Issues First Healthcare Declination Under New Department-Wide Corporate Enforcement Policy
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ or Department) recently announced that it declined to bring criminal healthcare fraud charges against Campus Eye Management and its parent, Campus Eye Management Holdings LLC – the first healthcare fraud declination under DOJ's new Department-wide Corporate Enforcement Policy (CEP), which was released in March 2026. The same day, DOJ unsealed a seven-count indictment against Campus Eye's founder, E.
Podcast - The New Rules Of Healthcare Fraud Enforcement
Holland & Knight are most popular: within Strategy topic(s) False Claims Act enforcement in healthcare is accelerating, and providers cannot afford to wait to react until the government comes calling. In this episode of "Counsel That Cares," litigation attorneys Meredith Auten and Jessica Sievert discuss the U.S. Department of Justice's new National Fraud Enforcement Division, record enforcement recoveries and the sectors drawing the sharpest scrutiny.
Podcast - The New Rules of Healthcare Fraud Enforcement
False Claims Act (FCA) enforcement in healthcare is accelerating, and providers cannot afford to wait to react until after the government comes calling. In this episode of "Counsel That Cares," litigation attorneys Meredith Auten and Jessica Sievert discuss the U.S. Department of Justice's new National Fraud Enforcement Division, record enforcement recoveries and the sectors drawing the sharpest scrutiny.
DOJ Establishes National Fraud Enforcement Division
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division, a new stand-alone U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) litigating division that represents the Trump Administration's goals to combat fraud involving taxpayer-funded programs. The new division will centralize supervision of the DOJ's fraud enforcement components under a new assistant attorney general who will have authority over investigation, prosecution and coordination nationwide.
DOJ Secures First False Claims Act Settlement Under Civil Rights Fraud Initiative
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced that IBM has agreed to pay more than $17 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act (FCA) through failure to comply with antidiscrimination requirements in its federal contracts. The settlement underscores the current administration's commitment to leveraging the FCA for enforcement against what it characterizes as discriminatory diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices by federal contractors.
Meredith Auten Joins Holland & Knight in Philadelphia as Leader of False Claims Act Team
PHILADELPHIA (January 27, 2026) – Holland & Knight has grown its Philadelphia Litigation Practice Group with the addition of Meredith Auten as a partner and new leader of the office’s False Claims Act (FCA) Team. Ms. Auten was previously a partner at Morgan Lewis. Her practice focuses on civil FCA and qui tam action defense involving a range of corporate clients, including those in the pharmaceutical, healthcare and defense industries.
How 11th Circ.'s Zafirov Decision Could Upend Qui Tam Cases
On Dec. 12, a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit heard oral argument in U.S. ex rel. Zafirov v. Florida Medical Associates LLC. The case is a closely... To view the full article, register now.
How 11th Circ.'s Zafirov Decision Could Upend Qui Tam Cases
By Kayla Stachniak Kaplan, Meredith Auten and Douglas Baruch ( January 8, 2026, 4:56 PM EST) -- On Dec. 12, a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit heard oral argument in U.S. ex rel. Zafirov v. Florida Medical Associates LLC. The case is a closely watched appeal of a 2024 opinion from the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.... Law360 is on it, so you are, too.
Eleventh Circuit Considers Constitutionality of the False Claims Act’s Qui Tam Provisions | JD Supra
On December 12, 2025, an Eleventh Circuit panel heard oral argument in a closely watched Justice Department and relator appeal of a 2024 Middle District of Florida opinion finding the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act (FCA) unconstitutional under Article II’s Appointments Clause.
Eleventh Circuit Considers Constitutionality of the False Claims Act’s Qui Tam Provisions
On December 12, 2025, an Eleventh Circuit panel heard oral argument in a closely watched Justice Department and relator appeal of a 2024 Middle District of Florida opinion finding the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act (FCA) unconstitutional under Article II’s Appointments Clause.
Enforcement Notes from American Health Law Association’s Fraud and Compliance Forum | JD Supra
Representatives from the defense bar and the healthcare and life sciences industry recently met for the American Health Law Association’s Fraud and Compliance Forum. The conference programming covered an array of topics for practitioners, ranging from the practical risks of and guidance for using artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical operations to discussions of commercial reasonableness and fair market value in compensation.
Enforcement Notes from American Health Law Association’s Fraud and Compliance Forum
Representatives from the defense bar and the healthcare and life sciences industry recently met for the American Health Law Association’s Fraud and Compliance Forum. The conference programming covered an array of topics for practitioners, ranging from the practical risks of and guidance for using artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical operations to discussions of commercial reasonableness and fair market value in compensation.
DOJ Officials Commit to Aggressive FCA Enforcement, Signal Its Value and Direction
In remarks delivered at the Federal Bar Association’s (FBA) annual Qui Tam Section Conference, Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michael Granston reiterated the US Department of Justice’s (DOJ or the Department) commitment to robust enforcement of the federal False Claims Act (FCA). The message to conference attendees was clear: the fraud section’s “return on investment” makes investment in DOJ’s FCA enforcement efforts a worthwhile use of government resources.
DOJ Officials Commit to Aggressive FCA Enforcement, Signal Its Value and Direction
In remarks delivered at the Federal Bar Association’s (FBA) annual Qui Tam Section Conference, Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michael Granston reiterated the US Department of Justice’s (DOJ or the Department) commitment to robust enforcement of the federal False Claims Act (FCA). The message to conference attendees was clear: the fraud section’s “return on investment” makes investment in DOJ’s FCA enforcement efforts a worthwhile use of government resources.
Healthcare and Life Sciences: Key Insights and Considerations for Stakeholders in 2025 | JD Supra
January 23, 2025 Meredith Auten, Roshni Edalur, Gregory Etzel, Jacob Harper, Ryan Kantor, Rachel Lamparelli, Amy Magnano, B.
DOJ Announces Over $2.9 Billion in False Claims Act Recoveries in Fiscal Year 2024 | JD Supra
In a press release issued on January 15, 2025, the US Department of Justice released its annual statistics and announced that recoveries from False Claims Act settlements and judgments in fiscal year 2024 topped $2.9 billion—a 30% increase over the past two years.
DOJ Announces Over $2.9 Billion in False Claims Act Recoveries in Fiscal Year 2024
In a press release issued on January 15, 2025, the US Department of Justice released its annual statistics and announced that recoveries from False Claims Act settlements and judgments in fiscal year 2024 topped $2.9 billion—a 30% increase over the past two years.
Florida District Court Finds FCA Qui Tam Provisions Unconstitutional in Outlier Opinion
On September 30, 2024, US District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle of the Middle District of Florida held in United States ex rel. Zafirov v. Florida Medical Associates, LLC that the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act (FCA) create self-appointed “officers” of the United States in violation of the Appointments Clause of Article II of the Constitution, taking up questions raised by last year’s US Supreme Court dissent in United States ex rel. Polansky v. Executive Health Resources.
Florida District Court Finds FCA Qui Tam Provisions Unconstitutional in Outlier Opinion
On September 30, 2024, US District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle of the Middle District of Florida held in United States ex rel. Zafirov v. Florida Medical Associates, LLC that the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act (FCA) create self-appointed “officers” of the United States in violation of the Appointments Clause of Article II of the Constitution, taking up questions raised by last year’s US Supreme Court dissent in United States ex rel. Polansky v. Executive Health Resources.
DOJ Criminal Division Launches Corporate Whistleblower Awards Pilot Program | JD Supra
The US Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Criminal Division on August 1 announced the details of its much-anticipated Corporate Whistleblower Awards Pilot Program. This three-year initiative aims to incentivize individuals to report corporate wrongdoing and enhance DOJ’s ability to detect and prosecute corporate crime.
DOJ Criminal Division Launches Corporate Whistleblower Awards Pilot Program
The US Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Criminal Division on August 1 announced the details of its much-anticipated Corporate Whistleblower Awards Pilot Program. This three-year initiative aims to incentivize individuals to report corporate wrongdoing and enhance DOJ’s ability to detect and prosecute corporate crime.
DOJ Criminal Division Launches Corporate Whistleblower Awards Pilot Program
The US Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Criminal Division on August 1 announced the details of its much-anticipated Corporate Whistleblower Awards Pilot Program. This three-year initiative aims to incentivize individuals to report corporate wrongdoing and enhance DOJ’s ability to detect and prosecute corporate crime.
Short-Term Takeaways From CMS' New Long-Term Care Rules
By Meredith Auten, Jonathan York and Kayla Kaplan (June 11, 2024, 6:00 PM EDT) -- On May 10, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services published its final rule to implement a minimum staffing floor for nursing homes in the U.S., as first announced on April 22.[1]... Law360 is on it, so you are, too. A Law360 subscription puts you at the center of fast-moving legal issues, trends and developments so you can act with speed and confidence.
CMS Publishes Final Rule for Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities | JD Supra
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published its Final Rule today to implement a minimum staffing “floor” for nursing homes in the United States, as first announced on April 22. The Final Rule, which as proposed garnered significant attention and opposition, with over 46,000 public comments submitted, reflects the Biden administration’s efforts to implement staffing mandates to ensure quality of care for long-term care (LTC) nursing home residents.
CMS Publishes Final Rule for Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published its Final Rule today to implement a minimum staffing “floor” for nursing homes in the United States, as first announced on April 22. The Final Rule, which as proposed garnered significant attention and opposition, with over 46,000 public comments submitted, reflects the Biden administration’s efforts to implement staffing mandates to ensure quality of care for long-term care (LTC) nursing home residents.
DOJ COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force Releases Report on Combating Fraud | JD Supra
The US Department of Justice’s (DOJ’s) COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force (CFETF) released a report on April 9 summarizing its efforts to identify, investigate, and prosecute fraud related to COVID-19 relief programs.
DOJ COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force Releases Report on Combating Fraud
The US Department of Justice’s (DOJ’s) COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force (CFETF) released a report on April 9 summarizing its efforts to identify, investigate, and prosecute fraud related to COVID-19 relief programs.
Paycheck Protection Program Enforcement Likely to Continue with Focus on More Complex Cases | JD Supra
Recent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) enforcement trends suggest that the US Department of Justice (DOJ) has begun focusing on False Claims Act (FCA) enforcement actions centered on PPP applicants’ technical compliance with more complex PPP rules and regulations. This is a shift from the DOJ’s prior PPP enforcement focus on combatting less technical, more clear examples of alleged fraud.
Federal Court Rules False Claims Act Whistleblower Must Face Counterclaims | JD Supra
A recent decision by a federal district court affirmed the ability of defendants in False Claims Act actions brought by qui tam relators to assert counterclaims against relators. The court’s opinion highlights the opportunity for defendants to hold relators accountable for a range of misconduct, including unauthorized retention and disclosure of confidential corporate documents, and emphasizes that such claims are fair game in False Claims Act litigation under the right circumstances.
Federal Court Rules False Claims Act Whistleblower Must Face Counterclaims
A recent decision by a federal district court affirmed the ability of defendants in False Claims Act actions brought by qui tam relators to assert counterclaims against relators. The court’s opinion highlights the opportunity for defendants to hold relators accountable for a range of misconduct, including unauthorized retention and disclosure of confidential corporate documents, and emphasizes that such claims are fair game in False Claims Act litigation under the right circumstances.
Once Again #1: Health Care Fraud Leads DOJ False Claims Act Recoveries in 2023
On the heels of the DOJ Civil Division’s announcement on FCA judgments and recoveries, the DOJ’s Fraud Section released its annual Year in Review (YIR) for FY 2023 on February 26, 2024. The Fraud Section’s Health Care Fraud Unit (HCF) is one of the most active criminal enforcement groups for health care fraud, boasting more than 70 prosecutors located across the country. The YIR details the HCF’s notable FY 2023 victories and enforcement initiatives.
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