AR HB1623

Amends Arkansas Code § 20-77-911 to require any party bringing a federal false claims action involving Arkansas Medicaid state funds to serve the Attorney General through the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit with all complaints, pleadings, and material evidence.

Establishes that the Attorney General may investigate claims and intervene or litigate to recover state funds associated with Arkansas Medicaid in federal false claims actions under 31 U.S. Code §§ 3729 et seq.

Permits the Attorney General to seek related damages, civil penalties, and costs and to settle claims as permitted under state and federal law.

Allows the Attorney General to pay federal whistleblower rewards from collected penalties if the state is properly served and given notice, but prohibits payment of any rewards from state Medicaid funds.

Establishes legislative findings that Medicaid involves both state and federal funds and that federal courts have jurisdiction over state fund recovery claims arising from the same transaction as federal false claims actions.