Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §3182-A is enacted to read:

§3182-A.__Illegal remuneration

1.__Soliciting or receiving illegal remuneration.__A person is guilty of soliciting or receiving illegal remuneration if that person knowingly solicits or receives remuneration in cash or in kind in return for:

A.__Referring an individual to a person for the furnishing or arranging for the furnishing of any item or service for which payment may be made in whole or in part under this chapter; or

B.__Purchasing, leasing or ordering or arranging for or recommending purchasing, leasing or ordering any good, facility, service or item for which payment may be made in whole or in part under this chapter.

2.__Paying or offering to pay illegal remuneration.__A person is guilty of paying or offering to pay illegal remuneration if that person knowingly offers to pay remuneration in cash or in kind to induce another person to:

A.__Refer an individual to a person for the furnishing or arranging for the furnishing of any item or service for which payment may be made in whole or in part under this chapter; or

B.__Purchase, lease or order or arrange for or recommend purchasing, leasing or ordering any good, facility, service or item for which payment may be made in whole or in part under this chapter.

3.__Exceptions.__Subsections 1 and 2 do not apply to:

A.__A discount or other reduction in price obtained by a person if the reduction in price is properly disclosed and appropriately reflected in the costs claimed or the charges made by the person under this chapter;

B.__An amount paid by an employer to a bona fide employee for employment in the provision of covered items and services;

C.__An amount paid by a vendor of a good or a service to a person authorized to act as a purchasing agent for a group of persons who are furnishing services under this chapter if: