Bill > SB115

This bill amends the Human Services Code in Pennsylvania to modify staffing requirements for care facilities and establish strict anti-fraud measures under a new "Taxpayer Prevention Against Fraud Act." Specifically, it allows individuals seeking direct care staff employment at personal care homes or assisted living residences to qualify through a basic reading and math skills competency examination or approved foreign credentials, rather than strictly requiring a high school diploma or GED equivalency. Additionally, the legislation introduces state-level false claims provisions modeled after the federal False Claims Act, enabling the Attorney General to investigate and prosecute Medicaid-related fraud and empowering whistleblowers—referred to as "qui tam plaintiffs"—to file civil actions on behalf of the Commonwealth and receive a share of the recovered funds. The bill also establishes the restricted Fraud Prevention and Recovery Account within the General Fund to hold recovered state revenues, mandates annual reporting by the Attorney General, and protects employees and agents from workplace retaliation when reporting or acting to stop fraud.