Virginia Whistleblower Law
Recognizes a public policy exception to the at-will employment doctrine in tort.
Court Decisions:
- Rowan v. Tractor Supply Company, 559 S.E.2d 709 (Va. 2002)
- VanBuren v. Grugg, 733 S.E.2d 919 (Va. 2012)
- Bowman v. State Bank of Keysville, 331 S.E.2d 797 (Va. 1985)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Virginia have a False Claims Act (FCA)?
Yes. The Virginia Fraud Against Taxpayers Act covers a variety of frauds beyond healthcare claims.
Does the Virginia FCA have a whistleblower provision?
Yes. In Virginia, a whistleblower under the Virginia Fraud Against Taxpayers Act may receive an award of 15 to 25 percent of the collections in cases where the state intervenes and 25 to 30 percent in cases where there is no state intervention. Award amounts may be decreased if it is found that the whistleblower themselves participated in the fraud.
Does Virginia recognize the public policy exception for wrongful termination?
Yes. If the termination violates a well-defined public policy of the state or violates Virginia statutory authority, it is considered wrongful in Virginia.
