The Legislature, by unanimous vote (Legislator Kathy Luz Herrera was excused) approved the funding needed to develop and implement a formal Tompkins County corporate compliance program. Corporate compliance programs are intended to implement a coordinated system of internal controls to ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations and guard against any potential waste, fraud, and abuse of government funds. $35,456 was appropriated from the Contingent Fund to support professional services and staff costs associated with establishing the program. Federal agencies responsible for the enforcement of Medicare and Medicaid laws and regulations have encouraged development of formal Corporate Compliance programs, with the State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General issuing rules and regulations to ensure that claims submitted to the State are true and accurate and adhere to a compliance plan.

The action, in part, directs that the County Administrator have oversight for ensuring an effective Corporate Compliance Program, and that Deputy County Administrator Paula Younger be designated Corporate Compliance Officer, to direct development and implementation of a Corporate Compliance Program for the County.