42-4-403. Medicaid fraud control unit created; duties.
(a) The Medicaid fraud control unit is recognized and continued in existence within the office of the attorney general. The unit shall conduct a statewide program for investigating and prosecuting violations of all applicable state laws pertaining to fraud in the administration of the Medicaid program and the provision of services or supplies, or the activities of providers of services or supplies, under the state Medicaid plan. The unit may also conduct criminal investigations and prosecutions relating to patient abuse, neglect, exploitation and other violations of law, if the violation is primarily connected to Medicaid.
(b) The office of the attorney general shall employ attorneys, auditors, agents and other personnel which are necessary to carry out the duties specified in this act in an effective and efficient manner. Agents employed under this subsection shall have the qualifications and powers of an agent under W.S. 9-1-611(b)(i).
(c) The unit may file criminal charges without consultation with another person or entity outside the office of the attorney general. Before the filing of criminal charges under this act, the unit may consult with the district attorney of the judicial district in which the prosecution would take place. If the district attorney, after consultation, concurs with the decision to file criminal charges, the unit may refer the case to the district attorney. A district attorney may request that the unit assign an attorney to assist with prosecution under this act.