Washington Governor Ferguson creates Chief Fraud Prevention Officer

Governor Bob Ferguson has signed an executive order establishing Washington’s first Chief Fraud Prevention Officer. The new role is designed to strengthen oversight, detection, investigation, and recovery efforts regarding fraud within health and human services programs.

In addition to the new officer, the order creates the Public Funds Fraud Prevention & Accountability Workgroup to coordinate prevention efforts across state agencies. The initiative specifically targets programs administered by the Health Care Authority, the Department of Health, Social & Health Services, Labor & Industries, and Children, Youth & Families.

Ferguson also announced plans for upcoming legislation to expand the Medicaid False Claims Act to cover all false claims made against the state. The Governor stated the move is necessary to protect state budgets amidst federal funding cuts. Some lawmakers have criticized the timing of the announcement, suggesting it may be politically motivated ahead of the upcoming election.