House of Representatives

State of Tennessee

Press Release

                                                                               Contact: Kristen Hayner, (615) 741-1975

Rep. Lynn moves legislation to require reports on TennCare fraud data

(NASHVILLE, Tenn., Thursday, April 14, 2005) –Before the Public Health and Family Assistance Subcommittee of Health and Human Resources this week, Rep. Susan Lynn (R-Mt. Juliet) successfully moved legislation that would mandate both the TennCare inspector general and the director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to annually report TennCare fraud data to the governor and the General Assembly.

HB727, which is a House Republican Caucus initiative, would require reports on the activities of the inspector general's office and the activities of the Medicaid fraud unit of the TBI's criminal investigation division.  The information contained within the reports would have to include data such as the actual numbers of TennCare fraud investigations, prosecutions, convictions and appeals.

“I think it is essential that both the governor and the General Assembly have access to this information in order to ensure proper oversight and make critical decisions in the future," Rep. Lynn stated.

HB727 will be heard before the Health and Human Resources Committee on Tuesday, April 19, 2005.  The companion bill in the Senate, SB1946, will be voted on by the full Senate on Monday, April 18, 2005.

Rep. Lynn represents the 57^th House District which includes portions of Wilson and Sumner counties.  She is a member of the House Commerce Committee and the House Committee on Government Operations.  Rep. Lynn resides in Mt. Juliet.

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