Strong, comprehensive penalties for insurance fraud send a loud message that fraud will not be tolerated in Nevada. Harsh fines deter those considering cooperating in scams, such as automobile drivers, health care providers, lawyers, and others. The 1997 Legislature must increase penalties for insurance fraud, guaranteeing restitution and threatening white collar criminals with heavy sanctions.
Insurance fraud is a felony in Nevada.
Under NRS 205.030, arson is a category B felony, allowing one to six years in prison, with no cap on any fines the court may impose. These fines should be increased. Civil fines should be imposed on anyone convicted of fraudulent insurance acts, and administrative penalties should be imposed on practitioners convicted of fraud. Consideration should be given to making practitioners subject to the penalties and fines listed on the previous page. Licensing boards can impose their own fines and penalties on licensees who transgress the principles of the licensed profession.