This website will be unavailable from Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. through Monday, June 3, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. due to data center maintenance.
Amend CSSB 23 (house committee report) by adding the following appropriately numbered SECTION to the bill and renumbering subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION ____. Subtitle B, Title 4, Government Code, is amended by adding Chapter 422 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 422. OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Sec. 422.001. DEFINITION. In this chapter, "office" means the office of inspector general established under this chapter.
Sec. 422.002. OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL. The office of inspector general is a division within the office of the governor.
Sec. 422.003. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES. (a) The office is responsible for the investigation of fraudulent insurance acts, including Medicaid fraud and fraud under the workers' compensation system, in this state.
(b) The office shall:
(1) report to and perform duties as directed by the governor; and
(2) provide assistance to:
(A) inspectors general of state agencies who have jurisdiction over insurance;
(B) the Health and Human Services Commission's office of inspector general; and
(C) the insurance fraud unit of the Texas Department of Insurance.
Sec. 422.004. CONTRACTS FOR INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES. The inspector general may contract with certified public accountants, qualified management consultants, or other professional experts as necessary to independently perform investigative services.
Sec. 422.005. GENERAL POWERS. The office has all the powers necessary or appropriate to carry out its responsibilities and functions under this chapter.
Sec. 422.006. COOPERATION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS AND OTHER ENTITIES. (a) The office shall provide information and evidence relating to criminal acts to the state auditor's office and appropriate law enforcement officials.
(b) The office shall refer matters for further civil, criminal, and administrative action to appropriate administrative and prosecutorial agencies, including the attorney general.
Sec. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING. The office shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the attorney general to increase security and avoid duplication of duties.
Sec. 422.007. FUNDING. The office shall be funded using existing appropriations to the office of the governor and the Health and Human Services Commission. This section expires September 1, 2013.