BLAIR LEE III, Acting Governor

3263

01.01.1977.05
SOCIAL SERVICES INVESTIGATIONS

WHEREAS, The local departments of social services in the
State traditionally have been responsible for
investigating cases of suspected fraud or overpayment
of benefits under public assistance programs
administered by them; and

WHEREAS, The investigation of suspected fraud and
overpayment of benefits under these programs can more
effectively be administered by the Social Services
Administration within the Department of Human
Resources; and

WHEREAS, The General Assembly has approved, effective July
1, 1977, the transfer to the Social Services
Administration of the funds and personnel currently
assigned to the local departments of social services
for such investigative purposes;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BLAIR LEE III, ACTING GOVERNOR OF
MARYLAND, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME BY
ARTICLE II, SECTIONS 6(B) AND 24 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF
MARYLAND, AND BY ARTICLE 41, SECTION 15C OF THE
ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND, HEREBY PROMULGATE THE
FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 1977:

1.     (a) The Special Investigative Unit is
created within the Social Services Administration
of the Department of Human Resources. The unit
consists of the positions authorized by Chapter
154, Acts of 1977, and thereafter as authorized
in subsequent budgets and budget amendments.

(b) The personnel, funds, facilities,
duties, assets and liabilities of the Special
Investigative Unit shall be under the direction
and control of the Social Services
Administration.

2.     (a) The Special Investigative Unit shall
initiate and coordinate investigations of
suspected fraud or overpayment of benefits in
public assistance programs administered by the
Social Services Administration and all local
departments of social services.

(b) The Social Services Administration
shall establish policies and procedures for the
operations of the Special Investigative Unit
which are consistent with the objectives of State
and federal public assistance programs.