Ryan Hayward

New York State Inspector General

Under New York State Executive Law Article 4-A, the Inspector General has jurisdiction over all executive branch agencies, departments, divisions, officers, boards, and over most public authorities and public benefit corporations. The Inspector General's functions and responsibilities include receiving and investigating complaints concerning allegations of: corruption, fraud, criminal activity, conflicts of interest, and/or abuse. The Inspector General also reviews the policies and procedures of covered agencies regarding the prevention of these types of misconduct. Beyond the State Inspector General's statutory jurisdiction over executive agencies and related entities, the Offices of the New York State Inspector General encompasses two other distinct offices: The Office of the Welfare Inspector General (OWIG), as established by §74 of New York State Executive Law, is tasked with maintaining the integrity of New York State's public assistance programs. OWIG is responsible for conducting investigations of fraud, abuse or illegal acts perpetrated within local social services districts and by beneficiaries of public assistance services. Additionally, OWIG is charged with recommending policies relating to the prevention and detection of fraud and abuse and monitoring the implementation of those recommendations. The Office of the Workers' Compensation Fraud Inspector General (WCFIG), as established by §136 of the New York State Workers' Compensation Law, is responsible for investigating violations of the laws and regulations pertaining to the operation of the workers' compensation system. WCFIG's investigations into violations of workers'compensations laws, rules and regulations may include the analysis of materials such as claim files and medical records, as well as taking of testimony from employers, attorneys, employees, health care providers, and insurance carriers. These investigations result in prosecutions throughout the State, as well as recovery of payments.