House Bill No. introduced by B. Mercer aims to enhance the oversight capabilities of the Department of Public Health and Human Services by granting the Office of Inspector General the authority to issue subpoenas. This power allows the office to compel the production of financial records, documents, and data relevant to investigations concerning waste, fraud, or abuse within health care services and public assistance programs. The subpoenas must be signed by both the director of the department and the inspector general, ensuring a level of accountability in the investigative process.

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 bill 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. This legislative change is designed to strengthen the department's ability to address and investigate allegations of misconduct effectively.