DOJ & HHS-OIG Launch Single Channel for Healthcare Fraud Self-Disclosures
DOJ and HHS-OIG now accept voluntary healthcare fraud disclosures via a single DOJ channel.
Why it matters: Simplifying self-disclosure reduces reporting complexity for healthcare providers. Legal and compliance teams can better manage risk and streamline investigations with one coordinated process.
- Effective October 15, 2026, DOJ’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and HHS-OIG implemented a joint self-disclosure policy.
- Voluntary disclosures to DOJ’s Health Care Fraud Section automatically grant benefits from HHS-OIG’s Self-Disclosure Protocol without filing separately.
- Since 2007, DOJ’s Fraud Division charged over 6,200 defendants and recovered $45 billion related to healthcare fraud.
- Updated HHS-OIG protocol directs criminal healthcare fraud matters to DOJ for centralized resolution, eliminating duplicative disclosures.
On October 15, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Fraud Enforcement Division (NFED) and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) announced a coordinated self-disclosure policy to streamline reporting of healthcare fraud allegations impacting federal programs.
Under the new protocol, entities that voluntarily disclose potential criminal conduct involving federal healthcare programs to DOJ’s Health Care Fraud Section will automatically receive the benefits of both DOJ’s Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy (CEP) and HHS-OIG’s Health Care Fraud Self-Disclosure Protocol (SDP). This eliminates the need for dual filings through separate agency portals and aims to reduce confusion and administrative duplication.
The DOJ press release explains, "A company that voluntarily self-discloses criminal conduct affecting a federal healthcare program to the Fraud Division's Health Care Fraud Section will receive the benefits of HHS-OIG's SDP automatically, with no additional direct submission necessary through the HHS-OIG portal." Concurrently, HHS-OIG updated its Self-Disclosure Protocol guidance to direct criminal healthcare fraud matters to DOJ for handling.
This joint policy addresses longstanding compliance challenges arising from providers' uncertainty about agency jurisdiction. Previously, duplicative disclosures sometimes confused both providers and enforcement staff, complicating voluntary self-reporting efforts.
DOJ’s Health Care Fraud Section—the nation’s largest, with nine strike forces—plays a central role in prosecuting healthcare fraud. Since 2007, it has charged more than 6,200 defendants responsible for scheming to defraud federal health programs and private insurers of over $45 billion.
Although this new policy streamlines criminal fraud disclosures, coordination with civil False Claims Act (FCA) resolutions remains separate. Legal teams must still navigate distinct FCA settlement processes with the government.
For healthcare providers and their counsel, this change simplifies compliance and encourages timely voluntary disclosures. Reducing administrative barriers aligns with ongoing federal efforts to promote transparency and cooperation in fraud investigations.
By the numbers:
- October 15, 2026 — effective date of DOJ and HHS-OIG joint self-disclosure policy
- 6,200+ defendants charged — by DOJ Health Care Fraud Section since 2007
- $45 billion — amount recovered from healthcare fraud prosecutions by DOJ since 2007
Yes, but: While the new policy streamlines criminal fraud disclosures, it does not alter separate civil False Claims Act settlement processes, which remain complex.
What's next: Watch for updates on how DOJ and HHS-OIG coordinate civil FCA enforcement and possible further integration of disclosure protocols.