South Carolina § 43-7-80 - Provider required to keep separate accounts and records; violation is a misdemeanor; penalties.

§ 43-7-80. Provider required to keep separate accounts and records; violation is a misdemeanor; penalties.

(A) A provider of medical assistance, goods, or services under the state's Medicaid program who is required by state or federal law, regulation, or written policy to maintain separate accounts for patient funds and accurate records of those funds must maintain separate accounts and records of the accounts. It is unlawful for a provider, or a person acting as the provider's agent or employee, to transfer, remove, or encumber or cause to be removed, transferred, or encumbered patient funds for a purpose other than as authorized. Repayment or retransfer of patient funds or satisfaction of an encumbrance on them is not a defense under this section and repayment, retransfer, or satisfaction is admissible as relevant evidence only at sentencing, if the provider is found guilty of a violation of this section.

(B) A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not more than three years and fined not more than one thousand dollars.

(C) In addition to all other remedies under this section, the Attorney General may bring an action to recover damages equal to five thousand dollars for each violation of this section. Upon a finding that a provider has violated a provision of this section, the state agency which administers the Medicaid program also may take other administrative action authorized under relevant state or federal laws.

HISTORY: 1994 Act No. 468, SECTION 1, eff July 14, 1994.

Editor's Note

1994 Act No. 468, SECTION 2, provides as follows:

"The offenses created by this act are not exclusive and must not be construed to limit the power of the State to prosecute a person for conduct which constitutes a crime under another statute or at common law."