U.S. Attorney Asks Mass. Hospitals To Report Fraud

U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling is urging Massachusetts hospitals to report fraud or wrongdoing they encounter to his office, and has tapped the chief of his health care fraud unit, Amanda Strachan, as the COVID-19 fraud coordinator for the district of Massachusetts.

In a letter to hospital leadership, Lelling encouraged the reporting of "individuals and companies that may have acquired vital medical supplies in excess of what they would reasonably use, or for the purpose of charging exorbitant prices."

He said his office will also investigate fraudulent conduct like reports of false treatments, tests or vaccinations.

"In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, my office is prioritizing the investigation and prosecution of wrongdoing related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including those engaged in hoarding and/or price-gouging with regard to critical medical supplies," Lelling said in a statement. "These practices are not only morally repugnant in light of the pandemic but also, if left unchecked, will inhibit hospitals, physicians, other health care professionals, and government agencies from fully implementing measures designed to save lives and mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus."