Which law gives HHS authority to impose penalties for false claims?

The Civil Monetary Penalty Law (CMPL) authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to impose penalties on individuals and entities that submit false claims to federal healthcare programs. This law is a key component in the fight against healthcare fraud as it allows HHS to pursue civil monetary penalties in cases of fraud, waste, and abuse within the healthcare system. The CMPL not only addresses false claims but also encompasses various violations associated with Medicare and Medicaid programs, thus providing a significant deterrent against fraudulent behaviors.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different aspects of healthcare regulations. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) focuses mainly on the protection of patient health information and does not specifically address false claims. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes provisions aimed at reducing fraud but does not provide the specific authority for imposing penalties like the Civil Monetary Penalty Law does. The Medicare Modernization Act primarily deals with the expansion of Medicare benefits and does not directly relate to imposing penalties for false claims.