The political word of the day is “audit.”
Across all levels of government, officials are calling for audits to determine whether ever-increasing spending is having the intended impacts and that people cashing taxpayer funds are held accountable.
There is another tool that ought to be used to fight fraud in government contracting.
A bill sponsored by Rep. David Hackney, D-Renton, would give whistleblowers in state programs the ability to share in recouped government funds.
The model would be similar to the federal False Claims Act. This allows citizens with evidence of fraud to sue on behalf of the government. Whistleblowers are entitled to a portion of any recovery or settlement ranging from 15% to 30%.
In Washington, such civil lawsuits can only be filed against Medicaid providers.
Medicaid fraud occurs when health care providers knowingly submit false claims for payment. Under the Medicaid Fraud False Claims Act, people can hire a lawyer and file a complaint in state or federal civil court. The Washington Attorney General’s Office may also get involved.
A legislative study in 2022 determined that the AG recovered $71.8 million in such cases.
Hackney wants to create a Washington False Claims Act and expand it across all state government.
“This bill strengthens accountability, empowers whistleblowers and protects both taxpayers and employees,” said Hackney during a briefing of his legislation, House Bill 2585, earlier this year.
“Of the 38 states that have false claims act...
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