Auditor Merritt Announces Initiative to Expand Audit Follow-ups

State Auditor Leslie Merritt announced today that the Office of the State Auditor (OSA) has expanded its financial audit follow-up procedures to include investigative reviews, grant reviews and performance audits issued by the OSA.

“The public often asks about particular investigations or grant reviews and whether OSA’s recommendations are being followed,” said Merritt. “Our expanded follow-up initiative will give the public the facts they need to determine which auditees have followed OSA recommendations and which have not.”   

The expanded follow-up initiative entails sending auditees a form which lists findings and recommendations from a prior audit or report. OSA asks the auditee to provide information detailing any progress made to comply with the report’s recommendations. OSA also asks that where appropriate the auditee submit any documentation necessary to support their claims.

OSA began this initiative in mid December by issuing forms to auditees regarding the following audits/reviews: July 2007 Performance Audit of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program Claims Processing; April 2007 Special Review of the Gallant’s Channel Property Transaction; June 2007 Special Review of UNC Hospitals / School of Pharmacy; and February 2007 Performance Audit of Indigent Defense Services. Auditees’ responses will be published on OSA’s website (www.ncauditor.net) when received.

“We’re not out to pick-on any specific auditee, but as the taxpayers’ watchdog we issue recommendations to increase efficiency and cut waste in State government,” said Merritt. “With this initiative the public can verify that OSA recommendations are being followed and that their interests are being protected,” Auditor Merritt continued.

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