For the purpose of this chapter "state agencies" means all officers, departments, boards, commissions, institutions, universities, colleges, bodies politic and corporate of the State and any other person or any other administrative unit of state government or corporate outgrowth of state government, expending or encumbering state funds by virtue of an appropriation from the General Assembly, or handling money on behalf of the State, or holding any trust funds from any source derived, but does not mean or include counties.

For the purposes of this chapter, "audit" means a full-scope examination of and investigation into all state agency matters necessary to make a determination of:

(a)(1) whether the entity is acquiring, protecting, and using its resources, such as personnel, property, and space, economically and efficiently;

(2) the causes of inefficiencies or uneconomical practices; and

(3) whether the entity has complied with laws and regulations concerning matters of economy and efficiency; and

(b)(1) the extent to which the desired results or benefits established by the General Assembly or other authorizing body are achieved;

(2) the effectiveness of organizations, programs, activities, or functions and whether these organizations, programs, activities, or functions should be continued, revised, or eliminated; and

(3) whether the entity has complied with laws and regulations applicable to the program.