NY Exec L § 48 (2021)
2021 New York Laws EXC - Executive Article 4 - Department of Audit and Control 48 - General Functions, Powers and Duties of Office of Welfare Inspector General.

§ 48. General  functions,  powers  and  duties  of  office  of welfare   inspector general. The office  of  welfare  inspector  general,  by  and   through  the  welfare  inspector general, or his duly authorized deputy,   director, assistant, officer  or  employee,  shall  have  the  following   functions,   powers  and  duties  notwithstanding  section  one  hundred   thirty-six of the social services law:1. To receive and investigate complaints from the public or any  other   source concerning alleged abuses, suspected frauds, and other violations   of  the  welfare  system  which  shall  be  deemed  to  include  medical   assistance. As used in this article, the term "medical assistance" shall   have the same meaning contained in section three hundred sixty-five-a of   the social services law.2. To receive complaints  of  alleged  failures  to  prosecute  frauds   against  the  welfare  system  which  shall be deemed to include medical   assistance and to investigate the same.3. To receive complaints of alleged failures to  enforce  the  state's   laws  regarding  the  employment  of  welfare  recipients  in  available   employment, and to investigate the same.4. To receive complaints of alleged failures of  local  officials  and   employees  to  comply  with state laws and regulations regarding welfare   administration which shall be deemed to include medical assistance,  and   to investigate the same.5. On the initiative of the office and at the direction of the welfare   inspector  general,  to  conduct any investigation: of the operations of   the  state  social  services  department  and  local   social   services   districts, the state health department and local health departments, and   the  state  department  of  mental  hygiene  and community mental health   boards in order to  insure  proper  expenditure  of  welfare  funds;  of   violations  of  the  welfare  system;  of  failure  to prosecute welfare   frauds; of failure to enforce the state's laws regarding the  employment   of  welfare  recipients  in  available  employment;  of failure of local   officials and employees to comply with state law, rules, and regulations   regarding welfare  administration  which  shall  be  deemed  to  include   medical assistance, and other matters relating thereto.6.  To exercise and perform such other functions, powers and duties as   may from time to time be conferred or imposed by law.7. To make an annual report to the governor, the comptroller  and  the   legislature  concerning  its work during the preceding year, and to make   such further interim reports to them as they or any of them  shall  deem   advisable or require.8.  To  conduct  any inquiry pertinent or material to the discharge of   the functions, powers and duties imposed by law; and through  designated   members  of  the  staff,  to  subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, take   testimony and compel the production of such books, papers,  records  and   documents as may be relevant to any such inquiry and investigation.9.  To  do  all  things  necessary  or  convenient  to  carry  out the   functions, powers and duties set forth in this article,  to  the  extent   they conform with applicable federal requirements, if any.10.  To  make,  amend  or  repeal such rules and regulations as may be   necessary  with  the  approval  of  the  state  comptroller,   for   the   performance of the duties imposed hereunder.