SB 1042 - This act establishes the Office of the MO HealthNet Inspector General in the Department of Social Services. The office shall be devoted to MO HealthNet program integrity through means including, but not limited to: - The detection, prevention, and investigation of fraud and abuse; - Recovery of improperly expended MO HealthNet funds; - Enforcement; - Audit, quality review, and compliance; - Referral of criminal prosecutions and investigation; and - Oversight of information technology relating to MO HealthNet fraud and abuse. The office shall be administered by the MO HealthNet Inspector General, who shall be a licensed attorney and shall be selected without regard to political affiliation and on the basis of capacity for effectively carrying out the duties of the office. The MO HealthNet inspector general shall possess demonstrated knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience in conducting audits and investigations, and shall be familiar with the programs subject to oversight by the office. No former or current executive or manager of any program or agency subject to oversight by the office may be appointed MO HealthNet inspector general within two years of that individual's period of service with such program or agency. The MO HealthNet Inspector General shall have the responsibility to conduct and supervise all state government activities, except those of the MO HealthNet fraud control unit in the Attorney General's office, relating to MO HealthNet integrity, fraud, and abuse. The Inspector General shall call upon any department, office, division, or agency of state government to provide such information, resources, or other assistance as the MO HealthNet inspector general deems necessary to discharge the duties and functions and to fulfill the responsibilities of the MO HealthNet Inspector General under this act. The Inspector General shall also coordinate the implementation of information technology relating to MO HealthNet integrity, fraud, and abuse and conduct educational programs for MO HealthNet providers, vendors, contractors, and recipients designed to limit MO HealthNet fraud and abuse. The Office of the MO HealthNet Inspector General shall also coordinate the investigations of the office with the Attorney General, law enforcement authorities, and any prosecutor of competent jurisdiction. ADRIANE CROUSE