§2–503.

    (a)    The Inspector General:

        (1)    May investigate fraud, waste, abuse of departmental funds, and behavior in the Department that threatens public safety or demonstrates negligence, incompetence, or malfeasance;

        (2)    Shall cooperate with and coordinate investigative efforts with the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and where a preliminary investigation establishes a sufficient basis to warrant referral, shall refer such matters to the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit; and

        (3)    Shall cooperate with and coordinate investigative efforts with departmental programs and other State and federal agencies to ensure a provider is not subject to duplicative audits.

    (b)    (1)    The Inspector General or a designated Assistant Inspector General may subpoena any person or evidence, administer oaths, and take depositions and other testimony for the purpose of investigating fraud, waste, abuse of departmental funds, or behavior in the Department that threatens public safety or demonstrates negligence, incompetence, or malfeasance.

        (2)    If a person fails to comply with a lawful order or subpoena issued under this subsection, on petition of the Inspector General or a designated Assistant Inspector General, a court of competent jurisdiction may compel:

            (i)    Compliance with the order or subpoena; or

            (ii)    Testimony or the production of evidence.

    (c)    Within 30 business days after receiving a complaint or allegation, the Inspector General, the Compliance Officer, or a designated Assistant Inspector General shall respond to the individual who filed the complaint or allegation with:

        (1)    A preliminary indication of whether the Office of the Inspector General is able to investigate the complaint or allegation; and

        (2)    If the Office of the Inspector General is unable to investigate the complaint or allegation:

            (i)    The reason for not being able to investigate, unless providing the reason would have a negative impact on or jeopardize an investigation being conducted by the Office of the Inspector General, a managed care organization, another unit of government, or law enforcement; and

            (ii)    The contact information for the Office of Legislative Audits Fraud Hotline.