Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §13, sub-§5 is enacted to read:

5.__Audit methods.__When conducting audits pursuant to this section, the department may not engage a private vendor to conduct the audit or base any auditor's compensation on a percentage of the alleged overpayment amount.__The department shall disclose to the public any mathematical algorithm used in performance of an audit.__This subsection applies retroactively to January 1, 2000.

SUMMARY

This bill prohibits the Department of Human Services from proceeding with an audit initiative in which a private vendor is engaged or any vendor is paid on a contingent fee basis to pursue alleged overpayments to health care providers in Maine. Also, the bill requires the department to disclose to the public any mathematical algorithm used in an audit.