BILL REQ. #:  S-0078.2 

Read first time 01/19/2005.   Referred to Committee on Human Services & Corrections.

     AN ACT Relating to detection and investigation of fraud by the department of social and health services; and adding a new section to chapter 43.20A RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 43.20A RCW to read as follows:
     The department shall investigate any discrepancy, including any overpayment or fraud, and shall report all fraudulent activity to local law enforcement. Fraud includes overpayments where it is found by the department that the provider or recipient failed to disclose or misrepresents material facts. When evidence or other information compiled as part of fraud investigations conducted under this chapter indicate that there is any potential for criminal violations, all findings, evidence, and supporting information shall be transferred in a timely manner to law enforcement officers in the county in which the fraud was allegedly committed. The county law enforcement officers shall have access to department fraud investigators and any additional personnel or information they may need. Department fraud investigators shall cooperate in the investigation and prosecution of crimes.