With Little to Go On, Team Shepherds Small Clinic through HHS Employment Investigation

Where we started: When a New Orleans public health clinic received an inquiry notice from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General, they turned to McGlinchey, their trusted employment counsel, who brought in our Government and Internal Investigations team.

Our Strategy – plus more: With no indication as to the nature of HHS’s inquiry, clinic management was understandably shaken. McGlinchey reassured the clinic’s employees and leadership by providing a single attorney contact dedicated to their investigation. That attorney prepared eight witnesses for testimony and negotiated the terms of the three days of interviews, which took place three short weeks after notice was received. As soon as the investigation topic (a claim of whistleblower reprisal and unlawful termination) became apparent, our team launched a simultaneous internal investigation and advised the client accordingly.

Upshot: The investigation has concluded, and HHS officials are determining course of action. We have every reason to believe that no action will be taken against our client.