PUBLIC LAW 104-191—AUG. 21, 1996 110 STAT. 2017 equal to the criminal fines imposed under section 1347 of title 18, United States Code (relating to health care fraud). SEC. 243. THEFT OR EMBEZZLEMENT. (a) IN GENERAL. —Chapter 31 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: '*§ 669. Theft or embezzlement in connection with health care "(a) Whoever knowingly and willfully embezzles, steals, or otherwise without authority converts to the use of any person other than the rightful owner, or intentionally misapplies any of the moneys, funds, securities, premiums, credits, property, or other assets of a health care benefit program, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both; but if the value of such property does not exceed the sum of $100 the defendant shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both. "(b) As used in this section, the term health care benefit program' has the meaning given such term in section 24(b) of this title.". (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT. — The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 31 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: "669. Theft or embezzlement in connection with health care.". SEC. 244. FALSE STATEMENTS. (a) IN GENERAL. —Chapter 47 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: "§ 1035. False statements relating to health care matters "(a) Whoever, in any matter involving a health care benefit program, knowingly and willfiiliy— "(1) falsifies, conceals, or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact; or "(2) makes any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations, or makes or uses any materially false writing or document knowing the same to contain any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry, in connection with the delivery of or payment for health care benefits, items, or services, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. "(b) As used in this section, the term health care benefit program' has the meaning given such term in section 24(b) of this title.". (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT. —The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 47 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new item: "1035. False statements relating to health care matters.". SEC. 245. OBSTRUCTION OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS OF HEALTH CARE OFFENSES. (a) IN GENERAL. — Chapter 73 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
�
