NCJ Number
130685
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 60 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1991) Pages: 21-25
Date Published
1991
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Thirty-eight states currently have Medicaid Fraud Control Units (MCFU), usually as part of State attorney generals' offices, State bureaus of investigation, State police departments, State auditor generals' offices, or other similar agencies.
Abstract
These units work in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies and can help in local investigations that might not otherwise take place. The units investigate and prosecute Medicaid fraud committed by doctors, psychiatrists, pharmacists, laboratories, hospitals, nursing homes, and medical equipment and supply companies. Their investigators are usually experienced, sworn law enforcement officers who execute search and arrest warrants, take part in grand jury investigations, conduct surveillance, and operate undercover. MCFU's can also obtain access to confidential information not available to those outside their units and can thereby help law enforcement agencies to broaden the scope of offenses for which certain defendants can be charged. For the units to be effective, other agencies must notify them when possible fraud or patient abuse problems exist in their jurisdictions. The units will not be truly effective until they gain recognition from law enforcement. Photograph and illustration