Texas Government Code - GOV'T § 544.0252. Circumstances Requiring Commencement of Preliminary Investigation of Alleged Fraud or Abuse

(a) The office of inspector general shall conduct a preliminary investigation of an allegation of fraud or abuse against a provider that the commission receives from any source to determine whether there is a sufficient basis to warrant a full investigation. The office must begin a preliminary investigation not later than the 30th day and complete the preliminary investigation not later than the 45th day after the date the commission receives or identifies an allegation of fraud or abuse.

(b) The office of inspector general shall conduct a preliminary investigation as provided by Section 544.0253 of a complaint or allegation of Medicaid fraud or abuse that the commission receives from any source to determine whether there is a sufficient basis to warrant a full investigation. The office must begin a preliminary investigation not later than the 30th day and complete the preliminary investigation not later than the 45th day after the date the commission receives a complaint or allegation or has reason to believe that fraud or abuse has occurred. (Gov. Code, Secs. 531.102(f)(1), 531.118(b).)