§ 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.