HB 1174 Summary

• Establishes civil liability for knowingly presenting false or fraudulent medical assistance claims to the state, with civil penalties ranging from $5,500 to $11,000 per act, plus three times actual damages and attorney's fees.

• Allows private citizens to file civil actions on behalf of the state for violations, with the attorney general having 60 days to decide whether to intervene; whistleblowers receive 15-25% of recovered proceeds if the state intervenes.

• Creates criminal penalties for false medical assistance claims: Class A misdemeanor for basic violations, Class C felony if aggregate claims exceed $1,000, Class B felony if exceeding $10,000 but under $50,000, and Class A felony if exceeding $50,000.

• Provides whistleblower protections prohibiting retaliation against employees, contractors, or agents who report violations, including remedies for reinstatement, double backpay, and attorney's fees.

• Establishes statute of limitations of six years from violation or three years from when facts were known, with a maximum of ten years; allows reduced penalties (two times damages) for persons who voluntarily disclose violations within 30 days and fully cooperate.