N.Y. Public Health Law § 33: Cooperation of agency officials and employees

§ 33. Cooperation of agency officials and employees. 1. In addition to

the authority otherwise provided by this title, the inspector, in

carrying out the provisions of this title, is authorized to request such

information, assistance and cooperation from any federal, state or local

governmental department, board, bureau, commission, or other agency or

unit thereof as may be necessary for carrying out the duties and

responsibilities enjoined upon the inspector by this section. State and

local agencies or units thereof are hereby authorized and directed to

provide to the inspector, or, at the request of the inspector, to state

agencies or their contractors, such information, assistance and

cooperation. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary,

requests for information, assistance and cooperation may include, but

not be limited to, all state and local government birth, death and vital

statistics which may be contained in files, databases or registries, and

for all information shall, upon request, include, where possible, making

electronic copies or record exchanges available. Executive agencies

shall coordinate and facilitate the transfer of appropriate functions

and positions to the office as necessary and in accordance with

applicable law.

2. Upon request of a local social services district or a prosecutor of

competent jurisdiction, the office, department, any other state or local

government entity and the Medicaid fraud control unit shall provide such

information and assistance as such entity or unit shall deem necessary,

appropriate and available to aid and facilitate the investigation of

fraud and abuse within the medical assistance program and the recoupment

of improperly expended funds.