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Performance Audit of Selected Probate Court Conservatorship Cases
Receives AOPTA Award for six months ended September 30, 2003
Scott Strong, Director of Audit Operations, is pleased to announce that the Performance Audit of Selected Probate Court Conservatorship Cases is the winner the AOPTA for the six months ended September 30, 2003. The audit team consisted of Lisa Pratt, Theresa Barsch, Shawna Hessling, Raymond Vernellis, Elden Lamb, and Michael Becker.
The audit report contained 10 findings and 11 corresponding recommendations. The findings addressed the lack of accuracy and validity in conservators' annual accountings and the probate courts' lack of effectiveness in administering and monitoring conservatorship cases.
The audit team did a fine job of performing the various audit functions that resulted in the exceptional audit report. In particular, the audit team did an excellent job coordinating with the State Court Administrative Office and various probate courts selected for review. As a result of excellent supervisory leadership and team dedication, the entire audit process was well planned and well executed.
The significance of the audit report's findings was exemplified by the large media interest and numerous articles generated, including analyses and interviews with probate judges around the State. The report not only resulted in a hearing with the Legislature, but received the personal interest of the Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court.
In response to the audit report, the State Court Administrative Office has initiated its own review of all conservatorship cases identified as exceptions in our audit report to assess the impact of any statutory and procedural noncompliance.
In recognition of their selection, the audit team members will be Mr. McTavish's guests for lunch, will have a letter of commendation placed in their personal and evaluation files, and will have their names engraved on the AOPTA plaque that is prominently displayed in the OAG office.
Performance Audit of the Certificate of Need (CON) Program
Receives NLPES Award - July 24, 2003
Auditor General Thomas H. McTavish received the following letter from Martha Carter, Chair, National Legislative Program Evaluation Society (NLPES) Awards Committee:
Congratulations! I am pleased to inform you that your office will receive a Certificate of Recognition of Impact from the National Legislative Program Evaluation Society (NLPES) for your report titled, Performance Audit of the Certificate of NEED (CON) Program, Certificate of Need Commission, Department of Community Health.
We would like to present the certificate to you at the NLPES business meeting and luncheon, which will be held at noon on Thursday, July 24, in conjunction with the NCSL Annual Meeting in San Francisco, California...
On behalf of the NLPES Executive Committee, thank you for the contribution that your office makes to the field of legislative program evaluation.
The individuals who were responsible for the Certificate of Need Program audit included: Richard Stafford, Audit Division Administrator; Thomas Beuerle, Audit Manager; Bryan Weiler, supervisor; and team members Melanie Alvord and Mark Lee.
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Performance Audit of Hunting Permits Selection
Receives AOPTA Award for six months ended March 31, 2003
Scott Strong, Director of Audit Operations, is pleased to announce that the Performance Audit of Hunting Permits Selection, Department of Natural Resources is the winner of the AOPTA for the six months ended March 31, 2003. The audit consisted of Susan Curtis, supervisor, team member Pam Huffman, with technical assistance by Andy Mitchell.
Hunting permits selection is a function conducted through the shared responsibilities of DNR's Wildlife Division and DNR contractor EDS Corporation. The audit team had to learn the operating characteristics of DNR's EDP hunting license sales system and the statutory policy structure of the hunting permits programs, and then design and carry out analytical and testing methodologies to assess the extent to which the policy was effectively implemented. They performed many EDP extracts and file matches.
The audit team developed and administered a comprehensive survey of applicants. This survey was critical in providing evidence of the public's general belief that the system was fair. The audit team also conducted statistical analysis of selection results to assess for bias in the selections.
The audit team met their budget target for completion of the audit and was very diligent, throughout the report processing phase, to ensure that the report was issued timely.
The audit identified several areas in which the hunting permits selection function was vulnerable to circumvention by applicants. The audit also determined that the vulnerability had not yet been significantly exploited.
The audit report was well received by the Department and the Natural Resources Commission. The pertinent committee of the Commission held an extensive public discussion on the audit report. The committee chair concluded the meeting by expressing appreciation for the work done and the positive focus of the report.
Throughout the audit, the audit team exhibited the utmost in creativity, enthusiasm, objectivity and professionalism, which resulted in an excellent audit.
In recognition of their selection, the audit team members will be Mr. McTavish's guest for lunch, will have a letter of commendation placed in their personnel and evaluation files, and will have their names engraved on the AOPTA plaque that is prominently displayed in the OAG office.
This page was updated on 2/18/04.
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