53-6-156. Medicaid fraud control unit. (1) There is a medicaid fraud control unit in the department of justice. The unit is under the supervision and control of the attorney general and, subject to the availability of appropriated funds, consists of the agents and employees of the department of justice whom the attorney general considers necessary and appropriate, including but not limited to:

(a) persons qualified by education, training, experience, and high professional competence in criminal and civil investigative procedures;

(b) at least one person licensed to practice law in Montana and qualified by education, training, experience, and high professional competence to prosecute crimes; and

(c) auditors and other additional professional and support staff.

(2) The medicaid fraud control unit is a criminal justice agency within the meaning of 44-5-103. Agents designated by the attorney general have peace officer status and authority, including but not limited to search, seizure, and arrest.