The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is a division of which agency?

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is a division of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The OIG plays a critical role in combating fraud, waste, and abuse in HHS programs, including Medicare and Medicaid. It also oversees the integrity of various health and human services programs by conducting audits, evaluations, and investigations.

Understanding the structure of the OIG helps in appreciating its functions and mission within the larger framework of healthcare compliance. HHS encompasses agencies like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and oversees many public health management areas, including medical research and public health initiatives, which the OIG audits and evaluates.

The other choices represent specific components or programs related to healthcare; however, they do not directly represent the agency to which the OIG belongs. Medicaid is a program under CMS, and NGS refers to a Medicare Administrative Contractor, which is responsible for administering Medicare claims, but neither encompasses the OIG. Therefore, the confirmation of the OIG being part of HHS establishes its essential role in safeguarding the integrity of healthcare services provided by the federal government.