This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 256B.064, subdivision 2, to allow for the suspension of medical assistance payments during investigations of kickback fraud. It specifies that the commissioner can withhold or reduce payments without prior notice if there is a credible allegation of fraud, which now explicitly includes illegal remuneration allegations. The bill also outlines the process for notifying affected individuals or entities about the withholding of payments and the conditions under which such actions can be taken. Additionally, it establishes that payments will not continue if there is insufficient evidence of fraud or after legal proceedings are completed.

Furthermore, the bill directs the commissioner of human services to engage in expedited rulemaking to ensure that kickbacks are clearly defined as fraud within the Department of Human Services' rules. This includes correcting references to the federal anti-kickback statute and potentially adding references to illegal remuneration under Minnesota law. The intent is to strengthen the state's ability to combat fraud in medical assistance programs by clarifying definitions and streamlining processes for addressing allegations of misconduct.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.064