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Chair questions OIG independence as committee seeks follow-up data
Summary
Committee chair raised concerns about the appointment structure for the MDHHS Inspector General and requested follow-up data; the inspector general said investigations are conducted independently.
Representative Wilford, chair of the Michigan House Oversight Committee on State and Local Public Assistance Programs, told the inspector general the committee wanted to examine potential structural limits on the office's independence because the inspector general is appointed by the MDHHS director.
"My concern from an oversight perspective as the chair of this committee is to address the fraud and the waste that we continue to see in Michigan's assistance programs," Wilford said, noting that the inspector general is subject to appointment by the MDHHS director.
Stacy Sampson, Inspector General for Health and Human Services, told the committee she is allowed to operate independently when identifying and investigating alleged fraud, waste and abuse. "None whatsoever. I'm allowed to be completely independent in identifying and investigating allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse," Sampson said when asked about the director's involvement.
Representative Carl asked whether the inspector general collaborates with program staff; Sampson said the office does collaborate with program staff because they understand program operations and can provide necessary information for investigations. On whether the governor's office is involved, Sampson said she could not recall recent collaboration and noted an exception during the prior administration when the governor asked the inspector general to look into Flint water matters.
The committee chair said it would likely request additional data and follow-up letters after the hearing to clarify how investigations are prioritized and to seek ways the legislature could support the OIG's independence and capacity. No structural changes were proposed or voted on at this meeting.
