HB290 Summary

• Amends Section 22-1-11 of the Alabama Code to require that a person must knowingly engage in prohibited conduct to be subject to criminal penalties for Medicaid fraud.

• Establishes a six-year statute of limitations for prosecution of Medicaid fraud offenses, measured from the date of completion of the offense.

• Exempts from criminal penalties any payment practices identified as exceptions under 42 C.F.R. 1001.952 (federal safe harbor provisions) and discounted prices properly disclosed to the Medicaid Agency.

• Expands the definition of "person" to include partnerships, corporations, and associations in addition to individuals.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.