Audit Shows Thousands Spent by NYS on Viagra for Sex Offenders

An audit by the New York Comptroller's Office showed some disturbing findings.  Thousands (and by thousands I mean $60,000) was spent by Medicaid on Viagra for registered sex offenders.

WLNY posted that the audit showed what is being called a "blatant misuse" of taxpayer money.  Newyorkupstate.com also posted about this, saying that the audit by Thomas P. DiNapoli and the Comptroller's Office showed the $60,000 spent, but also a total of Medicaid paying more than $930,000 for erectile dysfunction drugs and treatments and such, that are noted to be barred by both state and federal law.

WLNY reports that funding for Viagra or erectile dysfunction medication for registered sex offenders by Medicaid, run by New York State, is actually illegal.  So clearly the audit showing $60,000 being spent for this is a big deal.  Now, according to what I've read, the articles also note that the State Department of Health is disputing the audit saying that these drugs can also be used for other disorders such as prostate problems.  But as someone who works in healthcare, I would think that would be clearly indicated by clinical notes and provider documentation to support the prescription.

What are your thoughts?