The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently launched a new online portal that allows the public to report potential anticompetitive practices in the health care industry.

Citing the need to protect competition in health care, the agencies sought to create a “one-stop shop” where potential violations of competition laws can be reported to the DOJ and the FTC. In addition to providing consumers with the opportunity to report suspected violations of law, the new reporting system is intended to allow the agencies to collaborate more efficiently.

This new reporting option appears to be part of the agencies’ ongoing emphasis on competition in the health care market and is designed to ensure both that fair and competitive wages are available in the health care market and that affordable and high-quality care is accessible to all Americans.

It is anticipated that reports will be subject to an initial review by DOJ and FTC staff. If sufficient concerns appear to exist, the matter may be subject to additional review by the appropriate agency, which could even lead to the opening of a formal investigation.