AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The Senate Health and Human Services Committee has approved a bill intended to fight fraud in the Medicaid system.

Committee chairwoman Sen. Jane Nelson introduced the bill which she says will empower the Office of the Inspector General to investigate fraud in the health care program for the poor and disabled. The bill would also increase penalties for those found responsible for fraudulent claims.

Senate Bill 8 would also make significant changes to rules concerning medical transportation to and from appointments.

One South Texas group complained the bill would require single parents to accompany their children to therapy and treatment, forcing them to miss work and lose income or skimp on their child's health care.

But the committee also heard testimony about how Medicaid patients misuse the transportation system.

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