Bill calls for Inspector General in RI

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - A Rhode Island lawmaker wants to hold state officials and employees accountable.

Sen. James Sheehan has introduced legislation that would establish an Office of Inspector General in Rhode Island as an independent administrative agency.

He says the purpose would be to prevent and detect fraud, waste, abuse or mismanagement of public funds.

"In light of an independent report recently presented to the governor that claims to have  found waste in the state's Medicaid system, I believe it would be sound policy to establish an Office of Inspector General in Rhode Island," said Sen. Sheehan. "We need to make sure that the state is spending taxpayer money wisely and appropriately and we should not be dependent on private, outside reports to find out if there are problems."

The bill is now before the Senate Committee on Finance.