Which office within the OIG is responsible for conducting investigations related to fraud and misconduct?

The Office of Investigations within the Office of Inspector General (OIG) is specifically tasked with conducting investigations related to fraud, waste, and misconduct. This office plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of health care programs and the proper use of federal funds. It employs a variety of investigative techniques to pursue allegations of wrongdoing and to uphold accountability within health care operations.

This focus on investigation distinguishes the Office of Investigations from other offices within the OIG. For instance, the Office of Compliance is primarily concerned with establishing standards and monitoring compliance, while the Office of Legal Counsel provides legal advice and guidance. The Office of Audit Services conducts audits to examine the effectiveness and efficiency of various programs and operations, but it does not directly handle investigations of fraud or misconduct. Therefore, the specific role of the Office of Investigations in addressing fraud is what makes it the correct answer.