Creating the False Claims Act

HB 4811 creates West Virginia's False Claims Act, targeting false claims for Medicaid benefits. It imposes triple damages, civil penalties up to three times the excess benefits, and interest on fraudulent claims made by entities (like healthcare providers or contractors) that knowingly submit false or inflated Medicaid claims. The bill allows the state Attorney General or private citizens ("qui tam" plaintiffs) to file lawsuits on behalf of the state, with successful private suits potentially awarding the plaintiff up to 30% of recovered funds. All claims must be filed within five years of the false claim being made.