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(ii) Violates paragraph (i) of this subsection a second or subsequent time shall be liable to the state for three (3) times the amount of damages which the state sustains because of the claim and shall be liable for a civil penalty of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).

42-4-304. Investigations and prosecutions; powers of prosecuting authority; remedies for retaliation; venue; no private right of action.

(a) The Medicaid fraud control unit created by W.S. 42-4- 403 or a district attorney may investigate alleged violations of W.S. 42-4-303(a) and (c). If the Medicaid fraud control unit or district attorney finds that a person has violated or is violating W.S. 42-4-303(a) or (c), the unit or district attorney may bring a civil action under this section against that person.

(b) Any employee, contractor or agent of a person being investigated for a violation of W.S. 42-4-303(a) shall be entitled to recover all economic damages suffered if that employee, contractor or agent is discharged, demoted, suspended, threatened, harassed or in any other manner retaliated against in the terms and conditions of employment because of lawful acts taken in good faith by the employee or others in an action reported, filed or investigated under this act. An action by an employee, contractor or agent under this subsection shall not be brought more than three (3) years after the date when the retaliation occurred. A person may bring an action in the appropriate district court for the relief provided in this subsection. This subsection shall not otherwise be construed to create a private cause of action for violations of this act and is limited to the remedies expressly created by this subsection related to employment retaliation.

(c) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, any action under this act may be brought in the district court of any county in which the defendant, or any of them, resides. If the defendant is not a resident of the state of Wyoming, the action shall be brought in the first judicial district court in Laramie County.

(d) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, nothing in this act shall be construed to create a private cause of action.