On January 21, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity” (the “EO”), which aims to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and programs across the federal government and within companies that do business with the federal government. Importantly, the EO revokes Executive Order 11246, which, since 1965, has mandated affirmative action in employment from government contractors and required implementation of affirmative action programs.[i]
Federal contractors and grant recipients have until April 21, 2025 (90 days from the issuance of the EO) to comply with the EO’s provisions.
Below, we summarize the False Claims Act (FCA) implications of the EO.[ii] Briefly stated, federal contractors and grant recipients, including certain health care organizations, should pay close attention to the EO’s required certifications since they directly tie to potential FCA liability premised on false certification of compliance with the federal anti-discrimination laws.
Recent Updates
- The Structural Pressures Behind Senior Living and Long-Term Care Distress
- CMS Proposed Rule to Implement Section 6224 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act
- FDA Finalizes Key Parts of Its NDIN Guidance Related to Identity and Safety Information: What Dietary Supplement Companies Should Know
- The Whistleblower Windfall? DOJ Announces Another Incentive Program for Reporting Fraud
- DOJ, HHS Announce One-Stop Shop for Companies Voluntarily Disclosing Potential Health Care Fraud