National Report Long Term Acute Care Hospital Fraud Day

National Report Long Term Acute Care Hospital Fraud Day is observed October 2 each year. It’s a day meant to raise awareness about fraud committed by long-term acute care hospitals (LTCH or LTACH) under Medicare, and to encourage people who have knowledge of such fraud to report it.

History of National Report Long Term Acute Care Hospital Fraud Day

This day was established in 2017 by The Hesch Firm, LLC. It was founded by attorney Joel D. Hesch, who previously worked in whistleblower practice in government. He created this observance to support and inform whistleblowers—helping them understand how to report LTCH fraud properly, and how they might be eligible for rewards.

The day also promotes public understanding of how LTCH-fraud schemes work—for example, how hospitals may try to meet Medicare requirements for average length of stay or use billing strategies improperly. It helps clarify what types of evidence or steps are needed to report fraud, and encourages more transparency in healthcare billing.

Why is National Report Long Term Acute Care Hospital Fraud Day important?

This day matters because fraud in the LTCH system affects all of us — it wastes taxpayer money, reduces trust in the healthcare system, and can lead to harms if hospital practices are driven by financial incentives rather than patient needs. By making fraud more visible, more people can act—patients, family members, workers—and contribute to cleaner, fairer systems.

Also, whistleblower programs exist that allow people with relevant knowledge to come forward, often with protections and potential rewards. This day helps lower the barrier for reporting by spreading information, helping people understand their rights and how to safely report. It strengthens accountability in health care and reminds institutions that oversight is important.

because it calls attention to abuses that many might not know about
because reporting fraud helps protect public funds and healthcare quality
because it empowers whistleblowers and gives them a path to take action
because transparency helps deter dishonest behaviour in hospitals
because patients deserve healthcare systems built on integrity

How to Observe National Report Long Term Acute Care Hospital Fraud Day

You can observe this day by learning more about LTCH fraud: what it looks like, how hospitals may misuse billing rules, and what the law allows in terms of whistleblower rights.

Share resources—if you’re in the U.S., look up the free materials (e-book, guides) provided by organizations like The Hesch Firm or relevant government offices. If you have information about possible fraud, report it using official channels (Medicare, DOJ, CMS or state agencies) and consider whether you may qualify under whistleblower laws.

read up on what constitutes LTCH fraud and how to recognize it
download or share guides on how to report such fraud properly
if you have relevant information, report it through a trusted official channel
support laws and policies that increase accountability in healthcare billing
talk about these issues with friends, family, or in your community so people know this kind of fraud happens