§ 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.