Cooperation of agency officials and employees

§ 33. Cooperation of agency officials and employees. 1. In addition to the authority otherwise provided by this title, the inspector, in carrying out the provisions of this title, is authorized to request such information, assistance and cooperation from any federal, state or local governmental department, board, bureau, commission, or other agency or unit thereof as may be necessary for carrying out the duties and responsibilities enjoined upon the inspector by this section. State and local agencies or units thereof are hereby authorized and directed to provide to the inspector, or, at the request of the inspector, to state agencies or their contractors, such information, assistance and cooperation. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, requests for information, assistance and cooperation may include, but not be limited to, all state and local government birth, death and vital statistics which may be contained in files, databases or registries, and for all information shall, upon request, include, where possible, making electronic copies or record exchanges available. Executive agencies shall coordinate and facilitate the transfer of appropriate functions and positions to the office as necessary and in accordance with applicable law.

2. Upon request of a local social services district or a prosecutor of competent jurisdiction, the office, department, any other state or local government entity and the Medicaid fraud control unit shall provide such information and assistance as such entity or unit shall deem necessary, appropriate and available to aid and facilitate the investigation of fraud and abuse within the medical assistance program and the recoupment of improperly expended funds.