Division of Program Integrity
  
Components Topics

 

Bureau of Audit and Evaluation

The Bureau of Audit and Evaluation was formed as an independent appraisal arm of the MDHS and is charged with the task of conducting comprehensive programmatic and fiscal reviews of programs administered by MDHS subrecipients. Audit and Evaluation establishes measures to assist in accomplishing the Agency's goals and objectives in accordance with prescribed governmental laws and regulations. Findings of deficiencies and recommended corrective actions are documented and presented in comprehensive reports.

The activities of Audit and Evaluation either directly or indirectly affect all programs administered by MDHS. These activities can be broadly grouped into four categories: (1) monitoring subrecipients and vendors, (2) reviewing independent audit reports, (3) performing pre-award review procedures, and (4) tracking the status of monitoring reports.

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Bureau of Investigations

Office of Administrative Hearings

The Office of Administrative Hearings is charged with the task of conducting State Fair Hearings and Administrative Disqualification Hearings. This Office provides an applicant or recipient an opportunity to appeal agency action or failure to act, and to have his/her eligibility reviewed by someone not involved in the original decision.

Administrative Disqualification Hearings are initiated by the Agency and Fair Hearings are initiated by the applicant or recipient in connection with the food stamp program or the TANF program. Both types of hearings provide an opportunity for a more formal review by a state hearing officer of the point(s) surrounding program participation.

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Office of Investigative Audit

The Office of Investigative Audit has the responsibility of reviewing, auditing, and investigating allegations of fraud and/or other misappropriations of federal and state funds upon referrals and/or as directed by the Executive Director. This office also performs internal audits of MDHS programs.This Office presents its findings relevant to alleged criminal/civil violations to the courts, district attorneys and/or other authorities as may be appropriate pursuant to law.

Office of Fraud Investigations

The Office of Fraud Investigations is charged with the detection, investigation, and verification of alleged fraud and/or abuse in the public assistance programs administered by the Department of Human Services. It notifies and forwards information relevant to possible criminal violations and/or prosecutions to the appropriate authorities such as district attorneys, city prosecutors, and county attorneys.

Pursuant to a legislative mandate, this Office established a statewide fraud hotline on October 1, 1994. The information received from the hotline is disseminated to investigators to determine the validity of the accusations and the appropriate action to be taken. The fraud hotline number is 1-800-299-6905.

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Office of Special Investigations

The Office of Special Investigations is charged with internal investigations, such as employee misconduct. This office also investigates clients and retailers suspected of food stamp trafficking. It notifies and forwards information relevant to possible criminal violations to appropriate law enforcement authorities for prosecution.

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