**GAO-09-450**                      Published: Jun 02, 2009. Publicly Released: Jun 02, 2009.                  

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## Highlights

In 2008, GAO issued a report and testimony revealing gross mismanagement of property at the Indian Health Service (IHS). GAO found that 5,000 items with an acquisition value of $15.8 million were reported lost or stolen for fiscal years 2004 through 2007. GAO attributed the property mismanagement and waste to weak internal controls. GAO made 10 recommendations to IHS. IHS ultimately agreed to implement all 10 recommendations. Given the extent and seriousness of the property management problems at IHS, GAO was asked to determine (1) whether property loss, property theft, and wasteful spending continue at IHS; and (2) to what extent IHS made progress in implementing GAO's prior recommendations. GAO analyzed IHS property records from fiscal year 2008 through January 2009, conducted a full physical inventory at IHS headquarters, and performed a probability sample of information technology equipment inventory at six IHS field locations. GAO also examined IHS policies, analyzed documents, and conducted interviews with IHS officials.

## Recommendations

## Recommendations for Executive Action

See All 6 Recommendations

## Full Report

Highlights

Full Report (47 pages)

Accessible Text 

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## Topics

Health Care

AccountabilityDocumentationEmployeesEquipment inventoriesEquipment managementFacility managementFederal propertyFederal property managementInformation technologyInternal controlsInventoriesLaptopsMedical equipmentPropertyProperty and supply managementProperty disposalProperty lossesProtective equipmentRecordsRisk managementCost estimatesPolicies and procedures