US Senate Confirms Thomas Bell as HHS Inspector General

The US Senate confirmed Thomas “March” Bell on December 18, 2025 to serve as inspector general of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by a 53–43 vote. Bell’s nomination was considered as part of an en bloc nominations package that included 96 other nominees for positions across the executive branch.

The inspector general is tasked with independent enforcement, investigations, and oversight of HHS’s more than 200 programs and operations, including federal healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid and divisions like the US Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.

Background

Inspector General Bell’s nomination was transmitted to the Senate in March 2025 and underwent review by both the Senate Committee on Finance and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, where it was favorably reported to the full Senate.

Prior to his confirmation, Bell, an attorney, served as senior counsel for investigations on the Committee on House Administration. He has also held roles on other congressional committees and at HHS as chief of staff for the Office for Civil Rights.

Role of Inspector General and Analysis

The inspector general at HHS plays a critical role in ensuring compliance, accountability, and integrity across federal health and human services programs. Under the Inspector General Act of 1978, the inspector general is also expected to maintain independence from the rest of the department, supporting its ability to provide unbiased oversight. During his confirmation process, Bell described the inspector general’s role as “independent” and affirmed his commitment to the “rule of law,” reinforcing the expectation that the HHS Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) operates separately from departmental influence and executes its duties impartially.

For healthcare providers, insurers, life sciences companies, and other entities regulated by or doing business with HHS, HHS-OIG leadership transitions are a reminder of the office’s significant role in enforcement, oversight, and program integrity. HHS-OIG has broad authority to conduct audits, evaluations, and investigations relating to Medicare, Medicaid, research grants, and other federal health programs. HHS-OIG regularly issues audits and program evaluation reports, advisory opinions, and annual work plans with planned audits and reviews that influence compliance expectations across the healthcare and life sciences sectors.

In addition, HHS-OIG partners with other law enforcement agencies, like the US Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the US Drug Enforcement Administration, and state attorneys general to support federal and state criminal and civil healthcare fraud investigations that often form the basis for civil and criminal enforcement actions.   

Organizations should stay attuned to any shifts in enforcement or oversight priorities that may result from Inspector General Bell’s new leadership. During his confirmation hearing, Bell emphasized his support for US President Donald Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s agenda and policy priorities for the department. Any shifts in HHS-OIG’s enforcement priorities will likely be aligned with that support.

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Morgan Lewis Manager of Government Affairs David B. Mendelsohn contributed to this LawFlash.