TX HB2886

Expands the definition of Medicaid fraud violations to include knowingly submitting false statements, misrepresentations, or omissions of material facts in claims, as well as making false statements to obtain unauthorized benefits or facility certifications

Establishes that a person acts "knowingly" if they have knowledge of information, act with conscious indifference to truth, or act in reckless disregard of truth—without requiring proof of specific intent to commit a violation

Sets administrative penalties of up to twice the amount paid plus $5,000-$15,000 per violation causing injury to elderly persons, disabled individuals, or minors (or up to $10,000 for other violations), with penalties tied to federal False Claims Act maximums if higher

Extends the deadline for persons charged with violations to respond to preliminary reports and request hearings from 10 days to 30 days

Adds new violation categories including obstructing the Office of Inspector General, submitting claims for unlicensed providers, and failing to maintain required documentation (with a separate $500 per violation penalty for documentation failures)