Whistleblower Protection Act (1989)

The Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989 (WPA) marked a defining moment for federal employees who risked their careers to report wrongdoing. At Barrett Johnston, we view it as a foundational piece of modern whistleblower law — one that inspired broader protections across industries, including healthcare.

The WPA was designed to protect federal employees who disclose evidence of waste, fraud, abuse, or violations of law. Before its passage, whistleblowers had few safeguards against retaliation. The 1989 Act created clear rights and processes for those who expose government misconduct, handled primarily through the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) and the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB).

While the WPA applies specifically to federal employees, its principles — protecting individuals who speak up about misconduct — have shaped later legislation such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and amendments to the False Claims Act’s retaliation provisions.

For those in the healthcare sector, the WPA serves as both precedent and proof: protections can and should exist for anyone with the courage to report systemic wrongdoing. It paved the way for stronger whistleblower rights in both the public and private sectors.