§ 9-7-3 — Investigations; procedure

West Virginia § 9-7-3

• Jurisdiction: West Virginia
• Ch. 9: HUMAN SERVICES
• Art. 7: FRAUD AND ABUSE IN THE MEDICAID PROGRAM

Text

(a) When the unit has credible information that indicates a person has engaged in an act or activity which is subject to prosecution under this article, the unit may make an investigation to determine if the act has been committed and, to the extent necessary for such purpose, the Attorney General, or an employee of the unit designated by the Attorney General, may administer oaths or affirmations and issue subpoenas for witnesses and documents relevant to the investigation, including information concerning the existence, description, nature, custody, condition, and location of any book, record, documents, or other tangible thing and the identity and location of persons having knowledge of relevant facts or any matter reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence.

When the unit has probable cause to believe that a person has engaged in an act or activity which is subject to prosecution under this article, or §61-2-29 of this code, either before, during, or after an investigation pursuant to this section, the Attorney General, or an employee of the unit designated by the Attorney General, may request search warrants and present and swear or affirm criminal complaints.

(b) If documents necessary to an investigation of the unit shall appear to be located outside the state, the documents shall be made available by the person or entity within the jurisdiction of the state having control over the documents either at a convenient location within the state or, upon payment of reasonable and necessary expenses to the unit for transportation and inspection, at the place outside the state where the documents are maintained.

(c) Upon failure of a person to comply with a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum or failure of a person to give testimony without lawful excuse and upon reasonable notice to all persons affected thereby, the unit may apply to the circuit court of the county in which compliance is sought for appropriate orders to compel obedience with the provisions of this section.

(d) The unit shall not make public the name or identity of a person whose acts or conduct is investigated pursuant to this section or the facts disclosed in such investigation except as the same may be used in any legal action or enforcement proceeding brought pursuant to this article or any other provision of this code.

(e) The Secretary Department of Human Services shall fully cooperate with the Office of the Attorney General on any investigation, prosecution, or civil action conducted pursuant to this article. The secretary shall promptly provide the Attorney General with any information or document requested for the purposes of carrying out this article, to the extent permitted under federal law.

Legislative History

2024 Reg. Sess., HB4274; 2019 Reg. Sess., SB318; 2017 Reg. Sess., SB500; 2011 Reg. Sess., SB532; 1981 Reg. Sess., SB627; 1937 Reg. Sess., HB446; 1937 Reg. Sess., HB1