Bill > S0844

This bill modifies provisions related to Medicaid provider agreements and fraud prevention, including requiring providers to report changes in ownership or key personnel within 30 days, clarifying liability for overpayments during ownership changes, and allowing the agency to conduct onsite inspections before making initial payments. It also expands the grounds for terminating providers, such as conviction of certain criminal offenses, and clarifies the agency's ability to seek remedies for violations, including imposing fines and suspending or terminating provider participation. The bill also revises rules regarding the handling of withheld payments, requiring them to be placed in an interest-bearing trust account pending determination and allowing for the contestation of recovered medical expense damages. Additionally, it strengthens protections for individuals reporting Medicaid fraud and mandates the expiration of the Medicaid and Public Assistance Fraud Strike Force on June 30, 2014.