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The Office of Inspector General administers two investigative
units which are responsible for anti-fraud efforts within the Department of
Health and Human Resources (DHHR). Through a quality assurance effort, it
also monitors and evaluates various DHHR programs and assists other agency staff
in developing plans for improvement. Further, its hearings board provides
an administrative judicial function within DHHR for claimant and provider
appeals.
As concerns the internal affairs of DHHR operations, the
Secretary has designated the Office of Inspector General as the primary agency
authority to investigate reported instances of employee misconduct or illegal
workplace activity. Authorized investigative matters may also involve
various grantees, vendors or providers that receive agency services or
agency funding for the provision of services. Under the delegated
power of the Secretary, the Office of Inspector General is authorized and
empowered to "conduct, or assist in the conducting of investigations which serve
to ensure the security, propriety and efficiency of internal operations" within
the agency. Upon a "determination of feasibility and reasonable cause" by
the Inspector General, he or she may assign such personnel as are necessary "to
assist in or to conduct any audit or investigation of matters bearing on the
proper and lawful conduct of the affairs of the Department of Health and Human
Resources. Provided, that any such determination by the Inspector General
shall remain subject to review by, and a contrary determination, at the instance
of the Secretary."
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