Wednesday, April 07, 2010
“False Health Claims” Bill Headed to House Floor
The Administration’s “False Health Claims” bill (SB 279/HB 525) will likely be on the House floor Thursday for debate. The bill waters down the standard of what constitutes fraud by eliminating proof of an intent to deceive, lowers the standard of proof to a preponderance of the evidence, extends statutes of limitations for prosecution up to 10 years, and makes the penalties retroactive to acts occurring prior to the effective date of the bill.
All of these changes will make it harder for health care providers to defend themselves from lawsuits, and force them to settle claims in the face of treble damages – raising the cost of health care. We continue to strongly oppose the bill, but urge members to contact their Delegates and ask them to at least strike from the bill retroactive provisions that the Attorney General’s Office has advised are unconstitutional. See the Attorney General’s advice letter and our testimony in opposition to the bill. Contact Ron Wineholt for further information at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
