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OIG is investigating Tom Price's travel on private jets

OIG review of whether the use of chartered jets complies with Federal Travel Regulations follows request by Democrats.

Susan Morse, Executive Editor

The Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services said it is looking into Secretary Tom Price's use of chartered jets for official business travel.

Price has come under criticism for taking chartered jets when his predessors flew on commercial flights. 

"OIG is conducting a review of Secretary Price's Federal travel using chartered aircraft," said a statement from the OIG office. "The review focuses on whether the travel complied with Federal Travel Regulations, but may encompass other issues related to the travel."

[Also: OIG plans to investigate $15 billion in meaningful use payments]

On Wednesday, Democrats formally requested an investigation of Price's use of private jets to conduct official business, according to Politico. Price has taken at least 24 flights on private charter planes at taxpayers' expense since early May, the report said.

[Also: 'Mainely bad': HHS Sec. Tom Price lashes out at ACA in Twitter storm]

"We take this matter very seriously, and when questions arose about potentially inappropriate travel, we immediately began assessing the issue," the OIG said. "Work is underway and will be completed as soon as possible."

Twitter: @SusanJMorse

Email the writer: susan.morse@himssmedia.com