SB284 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Trip Pittman
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2016
Title: Medicaid fraud, crime of further provided for, statutes of limitations revised for certain fraudulent activity, Sec. 22-1-11 am'd.
Summary: SB284 revises Medicaid fraud penalties to require knowledge of wrongdoing, broadens who can be charged (including corporations), adds a six-year prosecution window, and aligns with federal safe-harbor rules while clarifying local-spending provisions.
What This Bill Does
It makes criminal penalties apply only when someone knowingly engages in false claims or fraudulent activities related to Medicaid payments or benefits. It expands the definition of 'person' to include corporations and other business entities, and narrows or clarifies safe-harbor protections under federal law. It increases the monitoring and enforcement by setting a six-year statute of limitations for prosecution. It notes local-spending rules related to Amendment 621 are not triggered for this bill because it defines a new crime or amends an existing one.

Who It Affects
Medicaid providers and suppliers who bill the Medicaid Agency, who could face criminal penalties for false claims, kickbacks, or improper referrals.
Corporations and other business entities engaged in Medicaid fraud or related prohibited activities, who would be criminally liable under the expanded 'person' definition.

Key Provisions
Convictions require that the offender knowingly engages in the prohibited conduct for false statements or claims to Medicaid payments or benefits.
Definition of 'person' is expanded to include corporations and other business entities.
Penalties for kickbacks, referrals, and related improper payments remain Class C felonies with fines up to $10,000 and 1-5 years in prison; violations include both receiving and offering/remuneration.
A six-year statute of limitations is set for prosecuting offenses under this section.
Certain federal safe-harbor exceptions are preserved or referenced, indicating some practices may be exempt under federal law.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Medicaid