Review of the Hiring and Managing Practices for Appointed Consultants and Experts in the Department of Health and Human Services

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

This final report discusses the need for the Department of Health and Human Services (Department) to strengthen its controls over the hiring and managing of appointed consultants and experts. Our review disclosed that the internal controls over hiring and managing consultants and experts needs strengthening to ensure that consultants and experts: are free from financial conflicts-of-interest; are not improperly detailed and recertified; time and attendance is accurately reported; quality of work is evaluated; and hiring approvals are obtained in compliance with prevailing policies and procedures. Also, we found many instances of noncompliance with prescribed policies, procedures and regulations.

---