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Whistleblower Ombudsman

Whistleblower disclosures by HHS employees can save lives as well as billions of taxpayer dollars. They play a critical role in keeping our Government honest, efficient, and accountable. Recognizing that whistleblowers root out waste, fraud, and abuse and protect public health and safety, Federal laws strongly encourage employees to disclose wrongdoing. Federal laws also protect whistleblowers from retaliation. Pursuant to the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012, the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, has established a Whistleblower Ombudsman to educate Department employees about prohibitions on retaliation for whistleblowing, as well as employees' rights and remedies if anyone retaliates against them for making a protected disclosure (i.e., "Whistleblowing").

Employees can contact the Ombudsman at Whistleblower.Ombudsman@oig.hhs.gov. Employees should know that the IG Ombudsman is not permitted to act as a legal representative or advocate for employees or former employees, but can help explain the employees' options.

Frequently Asked Questions

To file a complaint with the OIG alleging waste, fraud or abuse, please submit the complaint through
the OIG Hotline.

Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services | 330 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20201