Which entity represents the Office of Inspector General in civil and administrative fraud and abuse cases involving HHS programs, including the False Claims Act and program exclusions?

• A. The Office of Counsel to the Inspector General (OCIG)
• B. The Department of Justice
• C. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• D. The Office of the Inspector General (OIG)

Answer: (A)

In civil and administrative fraud and abuse cases involving HHS programs, the Office of Counsel to the Inspector General provides the legal representation for the Office of Inspector General. This office handles legal counsel, enforces matters under the False Claims Act, and oversees program exclusions on behalf of OIG. The Department of Justice may pursue criminal prosecutions arising from OIG referrals, but it is not the representative in civil actions. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administers programs and can be affected by exclusion actions, yet it does not represent OIG in these cases. The Office of Inspector General conducts investigations and audits, but the official legal representation in civil and administrative matters is the OCIG.