§244. FALSE STATEMENTS.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996

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

(a) In General.—Chapter 47 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

‘‘§1035. False statements relating to health care matters

‘‘(a) Whoever, in any matter involving a health care benefit program, knowingly and willfully—

‘‘(1) falsifies, conceals, or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact; or

‘‘(2) makes any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations, or makes or uses any materially false writing or document knowing the same to contain any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry, in connection with the delivery of or payment for health care benefits, items, or services, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 5 years, 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 47 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

‘‘1035. False statements relating to health care matters.’’.