HB292 Alabama 2016 Session

Existing law does not provide a specific remedy for the state to pursue damages sustained when a person or entity commits false or fraudulent acts against the state

This bill would establish the Alabama Medicaid False Claims Act, to provide a remedy for fraudulent claims in the Alabama Medicaid program

This bill would provide that certain persons who make false claims or commit fraud against the Medicaid program would be liable to the state for three times the amount of damage sustained, a civil penalty, and any associated costs, including attorneys' fees

This bill would provide for the responsibilities of the Attorney General and private individuals in investigating and proceeding against violators in civil actions

This bill would prohibit any employer from taking retaliatory action or preventing an employee from disclosing information to government or law enforcement agencies investigating false or fraudulent claims actions

This bill would also provide for the limitation of actions

To create the Alabama Medicaid False Claims Act, relating to false or fraudulent claims made upon the Alabama Medicaid program; to subject certain violators making false claims or committing fraud against the Alabama Medicaid Agency to treble damages and civil penalties; to provide for associated investigative costs; to provide for exceptions; to provide for the responsibilities of the Attorney General and private individuals in investigating and proceeding against violators in civil actions; to prohibit retaliatory actions by employers against employees who disclose information to government or law enforcement agencies investigating false claims; and to provide for the limitation of actions.