H.B. No. 142 amends various sections of the Government Code to enhance the operations of the Health and Human Services Commission's Office of Inspector General (OIG) regarding Medicaid claims and overpayment recovery. Key changes include the procurement process for qualified experts who will assist the OIG, allowing these experts to be considered expert witnesses. The bill also introduces a new section permitting the OIG to disclose information obtained during administrative oversight activities to various governmental entities and authorized individuals. Additionally, it specifies that the OIG cannot conduct fingerprint-based criminal history checks on licensed healthcare professionals confirmed to be in good standing, except as required by federal law.

The bill establishes a program for recovery audit contractors to identify and recover Medicaid overpayments, including those related to managed care. It outlines the conditions under which these contractors can initiate reviews and recovery efforts, ensuring that they do not interfere with ongoing audits by managed care organizations. Furthermore, the bill mandates the commission to promote fraud prevention programs and maintain a communications system for reporting suspected fraud. It also repeals certain provisions of the Government Code and stipulates that the implementation of the act is contingent upon legislative appropriations. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()
House Committee Report: ()
Engrossed: ()
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 544.0106, Government Code 544.0153, Government Code 544.0202, Government Code 544.0504 (Government Code 544)
Enrolled: Government Code 544.0106, Government Code 544.0153, Government Code 544.0202, Government Code 544.0504 (Government Code 544)