Which program is responsible for detecting and preventing fraud in the Hospital and Human Services program?

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) plays a crucial role in detecting and preventing fraud within the Hospital and Human Services programs. Established to promote efficiency and accountability in government operations, the OIG conducts investigations and audits to ensure compliance with regulations. The OIG specifically focuses on preventing fraud, waste, and abuse in health and human services programs, which include Medicare and Medicaid. Their work involves establishing strong oversight mechanisms and enforcing laws and regulations to protect against fraudulent activities, ensuring that healthcare delivery remains effective and ethical.

In contrast, while the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) oversees the administration of these programs, it does not primarily focus on fraud detection; rather, its role is more focused on policy and program administration. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) does investigate healthcare fraud but generally in more extensive criminal investigations rather than on routine fraud detection within these health services. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is primarily concerned with enforcing laws related to controlled substances and does not have a specific mandate to detect fraud in healthcare programs.