MN SF4354

Creates a Medical Assistance Program Integrity Advisory Board by January 1, 2027, consisting of seven members including a forensic accountant, data scientist, and long-term services expert to oversee fraud prevention efforts and provide recommendations to the commissioner

Strengthens enforcement by requiring mandatory five-year suspension from the program for providers convicted of health care fraud or related crimes, and limits payment withholding without prior notice to 60 days maximum

Requires the commissioner to contract with an independent research entity by August 1, 2026 to conduct audits of 13 specific service types including adult day services, nonemergency medical transportation, and peer recovery support services, with reports due by January 1, 2027

Exempts medical assistance providers from certain statutory protections, allowing the commissioner greater flexibility to impose sanctions for fraud, abuse, or illegal remuneration without requiring a criminal conviction

Appropriates $391,000 in fiscal year 2027 to the Attorney General to increase staffing in the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for improved program integrity and compliance efforts