This bill proposes to enhance the authority and operational independence of the Office of the Inspector General in West Virginia by establishing it as a separate and autonomous agency, independent from the Department of Health. It eliminates the requirement for the Department of Health to provide administrative support, thereby granting the Inspector General greater autonomy. The bill clarifies the Inspector General's powers to conduct performance audits, financial audits, evaluations, and attestations of the Department of Human Services, the Department of Health, and the Department of Health Facilities, as well as their independent contractors. It also mandates that the Inspector General report findings and notify law enforcement if criminal laws are believed to have been violated.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the Inspector General, including investigating fraud, waste, and abuse, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. It establishes the appointment process and qualifications for the Directors of the Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification and the Investigations and Fraud Management, requiring at least eight years of relevant experience. The bill also empowers the Investigations and Fraud Management Unit to issue subpoenas and manage investigations related to welfare fraud, while protecting the confidentiality of individuals being investigated. Overall, the legislation aims to strengthen oversight and accountability in health and human services in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5F-2-1a, 16B-2-1, 16B-2-4