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To address an accounting firm’s costly errors, the Department of Administration imposed requirements on state agencies contracting accounting firms that restrict trade and do not address the issue of competency

The objective of this review was to determine if the Purchasing Division made changes to the minimum requirements for audits of public agencies in an objective and transparent manner to ensure minimal impact to West Virginia based accounting firms and state agencies impacted by the new requirements. The new procurement requirements are bias towards large audit firms being eligible.

The General Service Division is finding it difficult to properly maintain state facilities because the Department of Administration purchases properties with little concern of the financial implications.

The objectives of this update are to determine to what extent the DOA responded to the eight recommendations made in the September 2015 PERD report on the GSD, and to assess the agency’s overall financial condition as of fiscal year 2021. PERD found that while the GSD is moving in the right direction, and its financial situation is improving, the legislative auditor anticipates the GSD will be under financial stress for several years, unless there are significant increases in lottery revenues, or state appropriated funds.

The Hospital Finance Board has not established internal control or oversight over timekeeping, revenue, purchasing, or travel, resulting in significant errors.

The objective of this review was to determine if the Hospital Finance Authority has internal controls to ensure compliance with state rules and W. Va. Code. The Authority is at a higher risk for fraud and abuse because the agency cannot properly segregate duties with one employee nor provide adequate employee oversight. The Hospital Finance Board has not established control activities for operational processes, resulting in non-compliance with the State Travel Rule, improper leave use, and overpayments to the State Treasurer’s Office.

Addresses complaints raised by licensees of the West Virginia Board of Real Estates Appraisers claiming the Board is not complying with West Virginia Code §30-38-17.

The Legislative Auditor directed The Performance Evaluation and Research Division (PERD) to evaluate allegations, pursuant to Chapter 4, Article 2, Section 5 of the West Virginia Code, after PERD received complaints from the public and licensees stating that the Board was not following W.Va. Code which requires a public hearing or public comment period be held when the Board adopts new editions of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

The Bureau could reduce costs by combining ADR Centers into one facility, while still offering the same services.

PERD’s primary objective was to assess the Bureau of Senior Services’ response to a January 2014 PERD report recommendation to consolidate 10 ADR Centers into 1 ADR Center. One ADR Center, operated by the Bureau from its administrative office in Charleston, would free an additional $225,000 to $305,000 in lottery funds annually for other services the Legislature deems beneficial to citizens of the state (W. Va. Code §29-22-18). Reducing the number of ADR Centers to one does not reduce the State’s capacity to streamline access to the service that is primarily supplied via the telephone.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is retaining unidentified and unclaimed decedent remains at its main facility, both in frozen storage and as cremated remains, because it lacks the statutory authorization to arrange for their disposition

The objective of this report was to review the OCME's current methods for retaining remains and any legal authority it may have to plan for their disposition. Current operating procedure is to store remains with evidentiary value in frozen storage and those without evidentiary value as cremated remains, but no written policy and procedure exists. Both unidentified and unclaimed remains must be retained indefinitely by the OCME at its main facility.

WorkForce West Virginia paid nearly $83 million in fraudulent unemployment claims during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PERD’s objectives were to provide information on the unprecedented number of unemployment claims filed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the amount paid in fraudulent claims, and the causes for many fraudulent claims being paid. WorkForce West Virginia paid nearly $83 million in fraudulent unemployment claims during the COVID-19 pandemic. The total number of unemployment claims processed by WorkForce increased from 52,816 in CY 2019 (pre-pandemic) to 457,399 in CY 2020.

Many State Agencies Have Benefited from Telework and Plan to Utilize It Going Forward

The legislative auditor commissioned a study to gauge the use, effectiveness, and benefits of telework as it was used by the West Virginia executive branch in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. PERD staff surveyed the 139 state agencies to gain an understanding on the transition to telework. One hundred twelve (112) agencies responded. PERD also interviewed nine state agencies to obtain details on their telework experience as they returned to the workplace.

State Laboratory Testing Facilities' Needs and Issues are at Critical Points

Legislative leadership commissioned a study to gauge the issues and needs of state-owned laboratory testing facilities. Nearly all the State’s laboratory testing programs are in facilities dating back to the middle of the last century. Not only are they relatively old, but many were not constructed for lab testing purposes. Each of the State’s lab testing programs do not have sufficient lab space in their current facilities, and no facility upgrades or remodeling have occurred to maintain modern standards.

Lead Inspector General for Operation Freedom’s Sentinel and Operation Enduring Sentinel I Quarterly Report to the United States Congress I October 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021

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