Overview

The Office of Quality Assurance (OQA) is responsible for developing and establishing work priorities, standards of performance, reviewing and approving managerial decisions, and monitoring budgetary needs and expenditures. OQA consists of three sections which provide extensive audit and investigative services to the Department. 
 
The Audit Section conducts performance audits, compliance audits, financial audits and consults on operational/program issues. The section coordinates the development of audit requirements and guidelines for the Department’s providers.  In some cases, the section also monitors divisions and providers to ensure they correct problems identified in audits.
 
The Fraud Investigations Section is responsible for investigating and referring for prosecution allegations of recipient fraud or intentional program violation in the public assistance programs administered by the Department of Human Services. These programs include Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps), Medicaid, Child Care Assistance, Special Nutrition, and other programs. The section also investigates suspected trafficking of SNAP benefits by both recipients and retailers and alleged fraudulent billing by service providers (Child Care, etc.). The section assists OQA’s Audit Section and/or Department divisions with investigations of providers who contract with the Department of Human Services to serve a specific group of clients. The Internal Affairs unit of this section investigates allegations of employee misconduct.
 
The Quality Assurance Analysts Section improves standardization, coordination, and information-sharing across the Department. This section also coordinates and streamlines the Department's Quality Assurance (QA) functions and reduces fraud/abuse in an effort to improve service delivery and protect all Arkansans.