HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - The state's social services commissioner says it would be a ``gross conflict of interest'' for the comptroller to hire a British-based firm to audit the agency.
UHY International, which operates in 66 countries, is currently representing two nursing home companies appealing the state's Medicaid rates. Commissioner Michael Starkowski says UHY is also on record representing 41 other private providers at his agency.
He says it would be a conflict for UHY to look at the agency's records, as part of the comptroller's audit, while representing clients who are at odds with the agency.
Legislative Democrats asked Comptroller Nancy Wyman for the audit to find savings and help close the $300 million budget deficit. The comptroller's office did not immediately respond to a telephone message seeking comment.
