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 hiring qualified experts, who will now be considered expert witnesses, and the ability for the OIG to disclose information obtained during oversight activities to various governmental entities. Additionally, the bill specifies that the OIG cannot conduct fingerprint-based criminal history checks on licensed healthcare professionals in good standing, except as required by federal law.

The bill also 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. Several sections of the Government Code are repealed, and the bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, contingent upon legislative appropriations for its implementation.

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)