Under whose direction does the HCFAC operate?

The correct answer is that the HCFAC, or the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program, operates under the direction of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Attorney General. This collaborative leadership is essential because it facilitates the coordination of federal and state law enforcement efforts to combat healthcare fraud, waste, and abuse.

The HCFAC is a part of a broader effort to safeguard the integrity of healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid. By having oversight from both the Secretary of HHS, who is responsible for public health and welfare and the administration of these programs, and the Attorney General, who enforces federal laws, the program is well-positioned to address issues relevant to healthcare fraud comprehensively. This combined direction allows for an effective legal and regulatory framework to prevent and prosecute fraudulent activities within the healthcare system.

Understanding the roles of these two leaders highlights the collaborative nature required to tackle the complexities of healthcare fraud effectively.