(a) Beginning January 1, 2019, the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Central Management and Support, shall audit county departments of social services for compliance with the accuracy standards adopted under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 108A-70.47 for Medicaid eligibility determinations made within a 12-month period. This audit shall also include an evaluation of compliance with the quality assurance standards under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 108A-70.48 by the county department of social services. Audits shall be conducted for initial Medicaid eligibility determination applications as well as Medicaid reenrollment determinations. The Department shall ensure that every county is audited no less than once every three years.

(b) Beginning 18 months after the Department has implemented the training and certification program under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 108A-26.5, the Department shall include in its audits required under this section a verification that all county departments of social services are in compliance with the certification program requirements for individuals involved in the Medicaid eligibility determination process. (2017-57, s. 11H.22(c), (h); 2018-5, s. 11H.5(a), (d).)