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January, 2022
Issue Summary:
Happy New Year!
For our first issue of the year, we begin with an exploration of the paradoxically view of qui tam whistleblowers and the continuing skepticism of their motives for bringing False Claim Act (“FCA”) cases. Next, we provide an update on the proposed amendments to the FCA sponsored by a bipartisan group of Senators.
Switching to antitrust issues, we examine recent antitrust enforcement efforts involving labor market collusion and no-poach agreements. It seems this issue is making a resurgence under the Biden administration.
We also examine the recent decision by the Oklahoma Supreme Court overturning the verdict against J&J for opioid marketing. The case highlights the continuing struggle to hold manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies responsible for their alleged role in creating the current epidemic. Finally, we also review California’s recent attempt to hold opioid manufacturers accountable that suffered a similar setback.
Articles
FEATURE
A Tale of Two Whistleblowers
Understanding the Paradox of Hero Versus Rogue
By Dr. Seth B. Whitelaw, Editor
Summary: Even with the current whistleblower protections, deciding whether to come forward is complex and challenging. Despite the demonstrable contributions whistleblowers make to combatting fraud and misconduct, skepticism about their motivations by Government regulators, attorneys, and compliance professionals remains an ongoing barrier.
Litigation & Enforcement
The Long and Winding Road
The FCA Amendments of 2021 Continues Its Journey Through Congress
By Kaitlin Fallon Wildoner, Esq., Senior Staff Writer
Summary: In July 2021, a bipartisan group of senators introduced the False Claims Amendment Act of 2021 to revise the Federal False Claims Act. Since then, the legislation has undergone some changes, which this article highlights. However, the proposal faces an uphill battle to become law.
The Dangers of Not Poaching (And We Don’t Mean Eggs)
Efforts to Keep Talented Employees and Reduce Wages Raise Antitrust Risks
By Gwendolyn A. Ball, J.D. Ph.D., Staff Writer
Summary: Labor market collusion in the form of wage-fixing and no-poaching agreements is a per se violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act. While such collusion is not a new risk, given the recent attention from the White House, the FTC, and the DOJ, together with the current labor shortages, it is a more pressing priority.
Opioids and the Ongoing Struggle for Accountability
The Oklahoma Supreme Court Reverses the J&J Opioid Decision
By Robert N. Wilkey, Esq., Senior Staff Writer
Summary: On November 9, 2021, the Oklahoma Supreme Court, in a 5-1 decision, reversed the lower court’s previous 2019 decision that determined Johnson & Johnson, along with several other Defendants, had engaged in a widespread illicit marketing scheme to market prescription opioids causing the current epidemic. The Court determined that the state’s public nuisance law does not extend to manufacturing, selling, and distributing prescription opioids. This article reviews the decision and its potential impacts on other opioid lawsuits.
Opioids and the Ongoing Struggle for Accountability
California State Superior Court Refuses to Extend Public Nuisance Liability
By Robert N. Wilkey, Esq., Senior Staff Writer
Summary: On November 1, 2021, the California State Superior Court determined that several opioid manufacturers were not liable for the opioid crisis within the State. Specifically, Judge Peter J. Wilson determined that the State failed to make its case for public nuisance, false advertising, or unfair competition. While it is the second case to reject the public nuisance theory, efforts to hold manufacturers, at least partially responsible for the opioid crisis, likely will continue in 2022.
From all of us here (virtually) at Policy & Medicine Compliance Update, we hope all our readers and their families are safe and healthy during these challenging times. And as always, thank you for subscribing and for your continuing support making us the most comprehensive, up-to-date compliance publication for life science compliance professionals.
Wishing you all the best,
Dr. Seth B. Whitelaw
Editor
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