Internal Affairs
The Enforcement division's Internal Affairs section performs investigations to ensure
internal accountability of health and human services resources, programs, employees,
and contractors. Through impartial investigations of complaints, internal misconduct
is identified, reported, and eliminated. Complaints may allege violations of criminal
law or serious policy violations and may originate from the public or from within
the health and human services enterprise system.
An on-line referral form is provided to the public and employees to
report waste, abuse and fraud. Direct reporting ensures every reported wrongdoing
is objectively reviewed and fully investigated when appropriate.
The Internal Affairs section is divided into four functional units: Women, Infants,
and Children (WIC) Investigations, Bureau of Vital Statistics Investigations, Special
Investigative Response Team, and Internal Investigations.
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Investigations
This unit investigates complaints of fraud by participants of the WIC program,
vendors (e.g., grocery stores) and local health agencies providing services to WIC
participants.
Bureau of Vital Statistics Investigations
The unit investigates questionable documents used to obtain vital records
including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage and divorce licenses.
Identity thefts, frauds, and other crimes relating to these vital records are investigated
when employees and others are suspected of submitting false information to obtain
or alter the records.
Another important function of this unit is to assist with the maintenance and protection
of Bureau of Vital Statistics records by cross matching death transcripts with birth
records to prevent misuse. This area has become increasingly important with heightened
homeland security concerns and the increase in reported identity thefts.
Special Investigative Response Team
The unit was created by executive order of the governor to provide a rapid
response to emerging issues dealing with waste, abuse and fraud anywhere it occurs
within the health and human services system. The unit is decentralized for efficiency
and comprised of both auditors and investigators.
Internal Investigations
The Internal Investigations unit investigates complaints involving misconduct
by agency employees, contractors, and subcontractors. These investigations may involve
thefts, misuse of property, retaliation against employees under the Whistleblower
Act, fraud involving workers' compensation employee/claimants and medical providers,
misappropriation of state funds, and other illegal activities. Internal investigations
may also involve policy violations with a potentially negative impact on the integrity
of system resources, reputation, and employees.
The unit also investigates allegations involving abuse, neglect, and exploitation
at facilities licensed by Department of State Health Services, including Texas youth
camps.