Federal Reports

OHRP receives and responds to alleged violations of protections for human subjects in research conducted or supported by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Employees of research institutions (e.g., researchers or study coordinators) with insider knowledge of the circumstances can help identify noncompliance in human subjects research earlier than other complainants or OHRP oversight activities. Such information allows OHRP to address any noncompliance, hold institutions accountable, minimize risk to human subject volunteers, and ensure public confidence in federally funded research. However, when employees are considering whether to disclose information about potential noncompliance, they may fear reprisal, such as demotion, suspension, or termination. Under certain circumstances, employees at research institutions with HHS-funded grants or contracts may be entitled to relief commonly called "whistleblower protections." Such protections may be available if an HHS contractor, subcontractor, grantee, or subgrantee takes a prohibited employment action (e.g., termination) against an employee for making a "protected disclosure." For complainants who fear reprisal, information regarding whistleblower protections may encourage disclosures of noncompliance.

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Federal regulations require each State to ensure that Medicaid beneficiaries have necessary transportation to and from medical providers. During the period October 1, 2012, through September 30, 2013, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (State agency) claimed at least $6.4 million for payments to nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers. Prior OIG reviews have found that States' claims for NEMT services were not always in accordance with Federal and State requirements.

Congress has expressed concerns about the safety and well-being of children in foster care. These issues were highlighted in a media report that provided several examples of children who died while in foster care. Additionally, in a recent series of OIG health and safety audits of State-monitored childcare facilities, we found that the majority of childcare providers in various States had instances of potentially hazardous conditions and noncompliance with State health and safety requirements, including criminal records checks requirements.

OIG administers the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU or Unit) grant awards, annually recertifies the Units, and oversees the Units' performance in accordance with the requirements of the grant. As part of this oversight, OIG conducts periodic reviews of all Units and prepares public reports based on these reviews. These reviews assess the Unit's adherence to the 12 MFCU performance standards and compliance with applicable Federal statutes and regulations.