Enact Ohio False Claims and Whistleblower Protection Act

This bill establishes the Ohio False Claims and Whistleblower Protection Act to combat fraud against the state by defining illegal acts such as submitting false claims, forging records, and paying kickbacks to refer patients to healthcare providers. It directly affects contractors, grant recipients, and other entities receiving state funds or reimbursement, holding them liable for civil penalties ranging from five thousand to ten thousand dollars per violation plus three times the damages caused. The law includes a whistleblower provision that allows private individuals to file lawsuits on behalf of the state if they report fraud, offering them a reduced penalty if they cooperate fully with the investigation. Additionally, the bill protects the confidentiality of information provided by whistleblowers and sets specific procedures for how these cases are filed and reviewed by the Attorney General.