On June 6, 2022, OIG released its Semiannual Report to Congress (the Report) which summarizes the agency’s activities from October 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022 (the Reporting Period). Among other accomplishments, the Report highlights nearly $3 billion in expected recoveries as a result of HHS-OIG audits and investigations. In the Report, OIG also explains its continued focus on significant and high-risk issues in healthcare and its data analytics capabilities.

In the six-month Reporting Period, OIG reported 320 criminal enforcement actions against individuals and/or entities that engaged in crimes impacting HHS programs. As part of this work, in partnership with federal and state law enforcement partners, OIG pursued individuals exploiting the COVID-19 public health emergency.

In addition, OIG also reported 320 civil actions, including false claims matters, civil monetary penalty settlements, as well as recoveries in connection with provider self-disclosures. OIG also excluded 1,043 individuals and entities from participation in federal healthcare programs during the Reporting Period.

OIG further noted that it issued 47 new audit reports, made 130 new audit and evaluation recommendations, and HHS operating divisions implemented 265 prior OIG recommendations during the Reporting Period.

The agency explained that it continues to focus on significant and high-risk issues in healthcare. The Report summarized key OIG focus areas including responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and other emergencies, oversight of nursing homes, ensuring health and safety of vulnerable populations, preventing and treating opioid misuse, and ensuring program integrity for federal healthcare programs.

OIG also focused on its data analytics capabilities. The agency explained that it closely reviews data to identify concerning trends and outliers, issue compliance guidance for the healthcare industry, and make recommendations to HHS to improve program integrity. OIG noted that its data analyses focused on evolving and emergent areas, such as telehealth and cybersecurity.

The OIG press release is available here and the Report is available here.