Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Daniel R. Levinson was the longest-serving HHS Inspector General from 2004 to 2019

Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (OIG HHS) is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) charged with identifying, auditing, and investigating fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement within the department's programs and operations. Established in 1976, the OIG HHS plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity and efficiency of one of the largest federal departments in the United States, which administers a wide range of health and human services programs, including Medicare and Medicaid.

Mission and Responsibilities

The primary mission of the OIG HHS is to protect the integrity of HHS programs as well as the health and welfare of the beneficiaries of those programs. Its responsibilities include conducting audits, investigations, and evaluations to prevent fraud and abuse; proposing ways to improve program efficiency and effectiveness; and holding accountable those who do not meet program requirements or who violate federal health care laws. The OIG HHS issues findings in public reports and works closely with the United States Department of Justice for enforcement when necessary.

Organization

The OIG HHS is led by the Inspector General, who is appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate. The office is divided into several components, including the Office of Audit Services, Office of Evaluation and Inspections, Office of Investigations, and Office of Counsel to the Inspector General. Each component plays a specific role in the overall mission of the OIG HHS.

Office of Audit Services

The Office of Audit Services (OAS) conducts audits of HHS programs and operations, providing recommendations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of those programs. Audits can be financial, performance-based, or compliance-oriented.

Office of Evaluation and Inspections

The Office of Evaluation and Inspections (OEI) conducts national evaluations of HHS programs from a broad perspective, identifying systemic weaknesses and making recommendations for corrective action.

Office of Investigations

The Office of Investigations (OI) investigates allegations of fraud, abuse, and other criminal activity within HHS programs and operations. The OI works closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

Office of Counsel to the Inspector General

The Office of Counsel to the Inspector General provides legal advice and representation to the OIG HHS, ensuring that its activities comply with statutory, regulatory, and policy requirements.

Impact

The work of the OIG HHS has a significant impact on the integrity and efficiency of health and human services programs in the United States. Through its audits, investigations, and evaluations, the OIG HHS recovers billions of dollars each year in improperly spent funds and leads to the implementation of policies and procedures that strengthen program integrity.

Challenges

The OIG HHS faces ongoing challenges, including adapting to the rapidly changing health care landscape, addressing new and emerging threats to program integrity, and ensuring that its resources are allocated effectively to address the most significant risks.

See Also

• Medicare Fraud
• Medicaid Fraud
• Healthcare in the United States
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services