This bill aims to enhance the investigative powers of the Office of Inspector General within the Department of Public Health and Human Services by authorizing it to issue subpoenas for the production of financial records, documents, and data relevant to investigations of waste, fraud, or abuse in health care services and public assistance programs. The subpoenas must be signed by both the director of the department and the inspector general, thereby formalizing the process for obtaining necessary information during investigations.

Additionally, the bill includes an appropriation of $5,000 from the general fund for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, to support the implementation of these provisions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and is intended to be codified as part of Title 53, chapter 2, part 1 of the Montana Code.