Providing false documentation to workers' compensation, to the Insurance Commissioner or a private carrier of workers' compensation insurance; altering documents or certificates from workers' compensation; penalties; venue

(1) Any person, firm, partnership, company, corporation association or medical provider who submits false documentation to workers' compensation, the Insurance Commissioner or a private carrier of workers' compensation insurance with the intent to defraud the Workers' Compensation Commission, the Insurance Commissioner or a private carrier of workers' compensation insurance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be confined in jail for a term not to exceed one year or fined an amount not to exceed $2,500, or both, in the discretion of the court. (2) Any person, firm, partnership, company, corporation, association or medical provider who alters, falsifies, defaces, changes or modifies any certificate or other document which would indicate good standing with the Workers' Compensation Commission, Insurance Commissioner or private carrier concerning workers' compensation insurance coverage or endorsement by workers' compensation for medical services shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be confined in jail for a term not to exceed one year or fined an amount not to exceed $2,500, or both, in the discretion of the court. (3) Venue for prosecution of any violation of this section shall be either the county in which the claimant resides, a defendant's principal business operations are located, or in Kanawha County where the Workers' Compensation Fund is located.