During the Civil War, vendors committed fraud on the Union Army, including by selling the army sick mules. In response, Congress passed the False Claims Act, which provides a cause of action against anyone who submits false claims to the federal government.

In modern times, the federal government frequently uses the False Claims Act to police fraud and abuse in healthcare. Concerned individuals may also file lawsuits, called qui tam actions, alleging violations of the False Claims Act. Qui tam...