What is a suit filed by private citizens on behalf of the government called?

A suit filed by private citizens on behalf of the government is called a qui tam lawsuit. This legal mechanism is part of the False Claims Act, which empowers private individuals, often known as "whistleblowers," to file lawsuits against entities that are allegedly defrauding the government. The term "qui tam" is derived from the Latin phrase meaning "he who acts on behalf of the king as well as for himself."

The significance of a qui tam lawsuit is that it allows private citizens to play a crucial role in combating fraud and protecting public funds. When a successful qui tam lawsuit is filed, the whistleblower may be entitled to a portion of any recovery obtained by the government, thus providing a financial incentive for individuals to report fraudulent activities.

This concept is integral to healthcare compliance as it encourages accountability and transparency within healthcare organizations that may potentially engage in deceptive practices, such as falsifying claims for reimbursement. The other options do not relate to private citizens taking legal action on behalf of the government, highlighting the unique and essential role of qui tam lawsuits in maintaining integrity in government spending.