DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 163 Original 2018 Regular Session Mack
Abstract: Creates the Medicaid Recipient Fraud Unit within the office of the attorney general and
provides for administration, duties, and funding of the unit.
Proposed law expresses the intent of the legislature that the office of the attorney general and the La.
Department of Health (LDH) work cooperatively to detect, investigate, and prosecute Medicaid
recipient fraud.
Proposed law creates the Medicaid Recipient Fraud Unit (MRFU) within the criminal division of the
office of the attorney general. Requires that the MRFU be responsible for operating a statewide
program for the investigation and prosecution of violations of present law regarding any aspect of
fraud in connection with any aspect of the receipt of Medicaid benefits.
Proposed law deems the MRFU an extension of the Medicaid program integrity function of LDH.
Proposed law provides that the MRFU shall be funded through the appropriation to LDH for
administration of the Medicaid program. Stipulates that the attorney general shall work with LDH
in preparing the annual budget for the MRFU.
Proposed law requires LDH to perform a preliminary review of all Medicaid recipient fraud
complaints reported to it pursuant to federal Medicaid regulations, 42 CFR 455.14. Provides that
for each complaint for which there appears to be a credible allegation of fraud, LDH shall refer that
complaint to the MRFU for investigation and prosecution.
Proposed law requires the attorney general to submit quarterly reports notifying LDH of the status
and disposition of Medicaid recipient fraud matters handled by the MRFU.
(Adds R.S. 46:440.4)