§243. THEFT OR EMBEZZLEMENT.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996

TITLE II—PREVENTING HEALTH CARE FRAUD AND ABUSE; ADMINISTRATIVE SIMPLIFICATION

(a) In General.—Chapter 31 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

‘‘§669. Theft or embezzlement in connection with health care

‘‘(a) Whoever knowingly and willfully embezzles, steals, or otherwise without authority converts to the use of any person other than the rightful owner, or intentionally misapplies any of the moneys, funds, securities, premiums, credits, property, or other assets of a health care benefit program, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both; but if the value of such property does not exceed the sum of $100 the defendant shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.

‘‘(b) As used in this section, the term 'health care benefit program' has the meaning given such term in section 24(b) of this title.’’.

(b) Clerical Amendment.—The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 31 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

‘‘§669. Theft or embezzlement in connection with health care.’’.