For Immediate Release:
October 2, 2006

Contact:
Nanci Gonder
Office of Public Information
573-751-6062

State Health Department Performs Review of Information Technology Unit; Finds Some Concerns in Payments, Time Accounting Records

An internal review by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services on its information technology (IT) services prior to the state’s consolidation of all IT services has found some concerns that are being further reviewed, according to the department’s director, Julie Eckstein.

Eckstein said she wanted a review of all the financial and vendor-payment practices by the department’s IT section in order to understand the section’s fiscal operations and project management systems and how projects, staff time, and purchases are billed in advance of that unit’s transition to the Office of Administration. The review began in May 2006 with the initial review concluding July 21. The review covered a sampling of projects involving both federal and state funds. A report of the initial review is being drafted.

Eckstein said the review found several issues of concern, including some dedicated resources being used for varied contractual agreements; equipment expenditures; and employee accounting outside the area those resources were originally committed.  This may have led to improper reporting on timesheets and billing statements.

Eckstein said because of these findings on the sampling of records she has ordered a review of all records related to amounts that should have been charged and the appropriate fund sources for such charges. Eckstein emphasized that these are serious matters that would need to be reported and corrected, and if necessary, appropriate disciplinary action taken, if the subsequent review corroborates the initial findings. She also noted that the department is being proactive in working to ensure that all charging of time and payment of vendors for technology services is appropriately carried out.

“This department is committed to using taxpayers’ money in the most efficient, effective and accountable manner,” Eckstein said. “We are always committed to ensuring that we deliver the services we have promised to deliver with the appropriate funds available.”

Eckstein said the department has contacted and is cooperating with the appropriate state and federal auditing entities. She also said she will keep the Office of Administration fully informed as the department continues with the review.