The case was brought by relators Dr. Deanette L. Palmer and Richard Palmer against MultiCare Health System d/b/a Mutlicare Deaconess Hospital and MultiCare Rockwood Clinic Neurosurgery and Spine Center. The complaint alleged that the defendants submitted false claims to federal healthcare programs.
The court granted the defendant's unopposed motion to alter or amend judgment. The amended judgment dismisses the action with prejudice as to the relators and with prejudice against MultiCare Health System regarding the "Covered Conduct" defined in a settlement agreement between the parties and the complaint in intervention.
The dismissal is otherwise without prejudice as to the United States and the State of Washington only, preserving their ability to pursue related claims outside the scope of the settlement agreement.
The court retained jurisdiction to enforce the terms of the settlement agreement and to consider any claims by the relators for attorney fees and costs under 31 U.S.C. §3730(d).
The district court executive was directed to file the order and provide copies to counsel, with the case file remaining closed.