Explanation of Content and Changes

This transmittal updates and revises Chapter I-1-3 (Fraud and Criminal Violations).

I-1-3-1 is revised to include a link to HALLEX Temporary Instruction (TI) I-5-1-15 which contains, in question and answer format, guidance on processing cases involving issues of potential fraud, similar fault, and abuse.

I-1-3-2 is updated to replace references to the Secretary of HHS with the Commissioner of Social Security.

I-1-3-3 is updated to remove references to OHA's Special Counsel Staff (SCS) which no longer exist. The staff was merged with the Office of General Law (OGL) in the Office of the General Counsel (OGC). This section is revised to reflect that, within OHA Headquarters, suspected employee violations will be referred to the Office of Management. The section is also revised to reflect that internal OHA referrals of suspected violations will be referred through the Associate Commissioner and the Office of Disability, Income and Security Programs (ODISP).

I-1-3-4 is updated to reflect that the OIG Hotline referrals to OHA will be forwarded to the Office of the Executive Secretariat which will send them to the OHA component that has responsibility for initiating the investigation. Notification of the final disposition should be returned to OIG within 90 days of receipt.

I-1-3-90 is revised to update addresses and phone numbers for the Seattle and St. Louis OIG Field Divisions.

Date: June 27, 2005