This bill amends the Medical Assistance Programs Integrity Law to enhance the prosecution and investigation of fraud related to medical assistance programs. It clarifies definitions, such as "knowing" or "knowingly," indicating that proof of specific intent to defraud is not necessary. New definitions, including "managed care organization," are introduced, and procedures for pursuing claims, including qui tam actions, are established. The bill emphasizes the rights of qui tam plaintiffs and outlines the responsibilities of the attorney general and the secretary in civil actions. Significant deletions from existing law include the removal of certain definitions and provisions governing the actions of the secretary and attorney general, while modifications streamline civil action requirements and enhance whistleblower protections.

Additionally, the bill revises the procedures for qui tam actions in Louisiana, stipulating that complaints delivered to the state will remain undisclosed until judicial service is made on defendants. It mandates specific captioning for complaints and restricts intervention by other parties, allowing only the state to control proceedings if it chooses to intervene. The state can request extensions for the petition to remain sealed, and the court may limit the qui tam plaintiff's participation if it interferes with the state's prosecution. Importantly, if the state opts not to proceed, the qui tam plaintiff retains the right to continue the action, while the state must be kept informed. The bill also clarifies that the state is not liable for costs incurred by the qui tam plaintiff and modifies criteria for awarding costs to a prevailing defendant in cases deemed frivolous or harassing.

Statutes affected:
HB560 Original: 46:3, 46:5(B), 46:1(A), 46:6(D)(3), 46:7(3), 46:2(A)(1), 46:4(A)(1), 46:3(7), 46:6(A)(2), 46:8(D)(2), 46:1(F), 46:2(F)
HB560 Engrossed: 46:3, 46:5(B), 46:1(A), 46:6(D)(3), 46:7(3), 46:2(A)(1), 46:4(A)(1), 46:3(7), 46:6(A)(2), 46:8(D)(2), 46:1(F), 46:2(F)
HB560 Reengrossed: 46:3, 46:5(B), 46:1(A), 46:6(D)(3), 46:7(3), 46:2(A)(1), 46:4(A)(1), 46:3(7), 46:6(A)(2), 46:8(D)(2), 46:1(F), 46:2(F)
HB560 Enrolled: 46:3, 46:5(B), 46:1(A), 46:6(D)(3), 46:7(3), 46:2(A)(1), 46:4(A)(1), 46:3(7), 46:6(A)(2), 46:8(D)(2), 46:1(F), 46:2(F)
HB560 Act : 46:3, 46:5(B), 46:1(A), 46:6(D)(3), 46:7(3), 46:2(A)(1), 46:4(A)(1), 46:3(7), 46:6(A)(2), 46:8(D)(2), 46:1(F), 46:2(F)