Senate Sponsors: DONAHUE-PHILIP. House Sponsors: DURKIN-TENHOUSE-BEAUBIEN-BLACK Short description: MEDICAID-FRAUD-INELIGIBILITY Synopsis of Bill as introduced: Amends the "Public Assistance Fraud" and "Administration" Articles of the Public Aid Code. Replaces provisions concerning penalty for a second offense of public assistance fraud. Provides that for a first offense of fraud related to Medicaid or the provision of health care services, a person may be suspended from eligibility to participate in the Medicaid program for a period not to exceed one year. For a second or subsequent offense of fraud related to Medicaid or the provision of health care services, a person shall be suspended from eligibility to participate in the Medicaid program for a period not to exceed one year. Replaces provisions concerning withholding of payments to vendors under the Medicaid program. Provides that the Department of Public Aid may temporarily withhold payments to a vendor if there has been fraud on the part of the vendor or if an officer or owner of the vendor has been charged with a felony offense related to fraud under the Medicaid or Medicare program or in connection with the provision of health care services. Requires the Inspector General within the Department of Public Aid to make annual (now, quarterly) reports to the General Assembly and the Governor concerning investigations into reports of fraud and other misconduct. Effective immediately. SENATE AMENDMENT NO. 1. Replaces amendatory provisions concerning penalties for public aid fraud. Provides that a person may be suspended from eligibility for public aid for a first violation of the Public Aid Code fraud provisions or a substantially similar federal or other state law. Restores provision of current law providing for ineligibility for public aid for a second such violation, and also makes ineligibility the penalty for a subsequent violation. Deletes amendatory provisions added by bill concerning temporary withholding of payments to a vendor on account of fraud on the part of the vendor. Restores provisions of current law concerning withholding of payments to a vendor during the pendency of a proceeding. FISCAL NOTE (Dpt. of Public Aid) SB1711 would not have a fiscal impact. CORRECTIONAL NOTE There will be no population or fiscal impact. JUDICIAL NOTE No decrease or increase in the need for the number of judges. STATE MANDATES ACT FISCAL NOTE Fails to create a State mandate. HOME RULE NOTE The bill fails to preempt home rule authority. Last action on Bill: PUBLIC ACT.............................. 90-0725 Last action date: 98-08-07 Location: Senate Amendments to Bill: AMENDMENTS ADOPTED: HOUSE - 0 SENATE - 1 END OF INQUIRY Full Text Bill Status