Commissioner's authority to impose sanctions against individuals or entities that receive payments from medical assistance or provide goods or services for which payment is made from medical assistance clarified, and medical assistance sanctions and monetary recovery provision recodified.

This bill clarifies the authority of Minnesota's Commissioner of Human Services to impose sanctions on individuals or entities that receive medical assistance payments or provide services paid for by medical assistance funds. It outlines specific penalties including suspending or terminating program participation, withholding payments, and imposing fines when misconduct occurs. The legislation also establishes rules for recovering improperly paid funds and allows the commissioner to charge interest on recovered amounts, while distinguishing between intentional fraud and unintentional billing errors. Additionally, the bill requires the commissioner to consider the severity of conduct and its impact on health and safety when deciding on sanctions, and mandates a minimum five-year suspension for those convicted of health-related crimes or fraud.