Office of Investigations (2024)

FAQs

How long do OIG investigations take? ›

Other than applicable statutes of limitation in criminal cases, OIG has no internal time limits. A complicated investigation may require a substantial period of time to complete. A simple investigation may be open over a long period of time, pending availability of resources.

An investigation looks into possible violations of law, regulation, or policy; consequently, the OIG conducts criminal, civil, and/or administrative investigations. The results may lead to criminal sanctions, civil penalties, or administrative actions against individual(s), contractors, companies, or their staff.

OIG initiates investigations based on information received from a variety of sources, including: OIG's fraud, waste and abuse hotline; Department, GAO, and DOJ referrals; Congressional requests; and referrals from OSC regarding whistleblower disclosures.

Employees must fully cooperate with any OIG investigation, though that doesn't strip you of your right to an attorney, and you should exercise your right to remain silent until a lawyer can advise you.

Conducting OIG screenings can help healthcare employers maintain federal funding eligibility, improve patient care, and mitigate risk. For example, OIG background checks for employment can identify individuals whose licenses have been suspended or revoked, helping safeguard you from hiring unqualified employees.

When the investigation is finished, the investigator will conduct a thorough analysis of the facts, statements, and evidence gathered, which will be compiled in a file to produce a comprehensive report.

Audits are conducted under the Government Accountability Office's Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards. An OIG investigation is a criminal or civil investigation into a potential violation of law, conducted by criminal investigators.

OIG reports contain findings of its audits and evaluations, assess how well HHS programs and grantees/contractors are working, identify risks to the people they serve and to taxpayers, and recommend necessary improvements.

Records of the Office of the Inspector General that are not exempt from disclosure under the California Public Records Act and other applicable laws are available to members of the public.

If the investigation substantiates a violation of federal, state, or local criminal law, we refer the matter for prosecution. If the investigation substantiates an administrative violation, we provide the results to the appropriate Smithsonian unit to consider disciplinary or other action.

How does OIG decide what to review or audit? ›

OUR APPROACH TO AUDITING

Some of our work is mandated by statute or based on requests from key stakeholders including Congress. Other work is performed at OIG's discretion following a risk-based planning process.

Who We Are. Since its 1976 establishment, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) has been at the forefront of the Nation's efforts to fight waste, fraud and abuse and to improving the efficiency of Medicare, Medicaid and more than 100 other Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) programs.

We make every effort to complete investigations within 90 days, but they can take longer depending on the complexity of the case and our current workload. 11. How do you determine the status of your complaint or obtain a copy of the report? Contact the IG office where you submitted your complaint.

You have the right to speak to an attorney, and to have an attorney during any questioning.” When being questioned by the police, you have a right to remain silent and seek legal assistance. You should never answer questions about the crime until you've consulted with an attorney.

How long does it take to get an opinion? The statute provides that advisory opinions should be issued within 60 days. In addition, the regulations establish a 10-day period for the initial review and processing of the incoming request.

How long should the investigation take? It should be completed as quickly as possible, although this could be days or weeks', depending on the nature of what is being investigated. Any reasonable further time needed is allowed, and this should be explained to you.

Similarly, the length of time the police will engage in a pre-arrest investigation will depend on the seriousness and complexity of the crime. Some can take days, weeks, or a year or more to complete. Here are some ways that law enforcement officials and prosecutors conduct an investigation before making an arrest.

If warranted, we initiate an investigation to evaluate and pursue possible criminal, civil, or administrative remedies. At the conclusion of our investigation, we prepare and refer to the appropriate agency or law enforcement entity a comprehensive report summarizing the facts of our investigation.