BILL NUMBER: SB 655	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Wright

                        FEBRUARY 22, 2013

   An act relating to medical fraud.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 655, as introduced, Wright. Medical fraud.
   Existing law prohibits medical fraud.
   This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to provide
additional investigative tools and other appropriate changes in the
law to enhance the prosecution of medical fraud.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  The Legislature finds and declares the following:
   (a) Medical programs cost the state approximately $40,000,000,000
in General Fund moneys, which amounts to approximately one quarter of
the total state budget revenue. These programs provides health
coverage for one in six Californians.
   (b) State revenue resources are limited and additional state funds
may be required to implement the mandates of the federal Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 18051).
   (c) Medical fraud represents a significant drain and loss of
General Fund moneys that could otherwise be used to expand coverage
or provide better reimbursement rates for doctors.
   (d) It is the intent of the Legislature to provide additional
investigative tools and other appropriate changes in the law to
enhance the prosecution of medical fraud and reduce the enormous
related drain on the General Fund revenue.