Daniel Levinson, the inspector general of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced that he will be resigning from his position at the end of May.
In his brief resignation letter dated April 2, 2019, Levinson did not give any reason for departure, but expressed gratitude for the ability to engage in his work for the length of time that he did, writing, “Serving the Nation as the HHS IG for the past decade and a half has been a great privilege and a high honor.” Speaking to President Donald Trump, to whom the letter was addressed, he stated, “I am grateful for the support of your Administration in continuing to help provide the resources necessary for this office to fulfill its important work to protect HHS programs from fraud and abuse, and to promote economy, efficiency and effectiveness in program operations.”
Levinson ends a fifteen-year tenure in the position, having overseen investigations into a wide range of controversial health issues inside the department. Over the last several years, he has led investigations into the separation of migrant children from their parents at the Border and into former HHS Secretary Tom Price’s use of private jets.
Most recently, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone asked Levinson and his office to investigate the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma and her use of taxpayer dollars to hire communications consultants.
Prior to being appointed to the position by President George W. Bush in September 2004, Levinson acted as inspector general of the United States General Services Administration, where it was his job to oversee the integrity and management of federal agencies and properties.
“Under Dan’s leadership, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) has done tireless, invaluable work to protect program beneficiaries and taxpayer funds, improve the management and integrity of HHS programs, and respond to emerging challenges such as the ongoing opioid crisis,” HHS Secretary Alex Azar said in a statement.
Levinson’s last day is May 31, and Principal Deputy Inspector General Joanne Chiedi will step in as the acting inspector general on June 1, 2019.