Los Angeles Times: Whistleblowers Face Most Corporate Retaliation Ever in 2011
Summary: According to a recent survey by the Ethics Resource Center, nearly half of all US workers were aware of misconduct and of those, 65 percent reported wrongdoing – a record number. However, 22 percent also had their companies retaliate against them.
Related Articles: Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post
Palm Beach Post: Hospice for Profit – Business of Dying is Booming
Summary: The Office of the Inspector General for the US Department of Health and Human Services has an ongoing investigation into Florida-based hospice provider Vitas Health for Medicare fraud, sparked by a whistleblower case.
Vitas is the largest for-profit hospice provider in a field normally dominated by nonprofits. On average, patients stayed 40 percent longer on government-reimbursed care than those at the nonprofit competitors.
Reuters: Whistleblowers Earn a Record $532 Million in 2011
Summary: According to a recent law firm study, whistleblowers earned more than $532 million in 2011 through lawsuits alleging fraud or wrongdoing against the federal government. The Department of Justice recovered $3.02 billion, its third largest recovery ever.
The New York Times: Swiss Central Bank Chief Tenders Surprise Resignation
Summary: The head of the Swiss National Bank faced interrogation today by members of Parliament over the allegation that his wife took advantage of his position. He has offered his resignation, effective immediately.
Seattle Times: Questions Remain About Organic Foods Grown in China
Summary: Food safety problems and corruption in China, which is a major producer of organic products, has sparked more visits by auditors from the US Department of Agriculture's organic program. The number of Chinese farms and other food facilities being certified for US organic standards increased from 496 in 2006 to 649 in 2011.
Prosecutor Welch Withholds Exculpatory Evidence Again
Summary: A federal prosecutor has failed to provide the defense team of an alleged CIA “leaker” with evidence that could potentially prove him not guilty. This same prosecutor also failed to hand over exculpatory evidence in the Tom Drake case. GAP National Security & Human Rights Director has more.
Hannah Johnson is Communications Associate for the Government Accountability Project, the nation's leading whistleblower protection and advocacy organization.
Monday, 16 January 2012