The United States Department of Defense’s Inspector General has launched a formal investigation into the Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, for not disclosing to the White House and Congress of his hospitalization - an official notification said, cited by CNBC.

The investigation aims to review whether the Pentagon has appropriate policies in place to ensure an effective transfer of power.

“[The review] will examine the roles, processes, procedures, responsibilities, and actions related to the Secretary of Defense’s hospitalization in December 2023 – January 2024, and assess whether the DoD’s policies and procedures are sufficient to ensure timely and appropriate notifications and the effective transition of authorities as may be warranted due to health-based or other unavailability of senior leadership,” the notification said.

Austin did not disclose his admittance into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to President Joe Biden nor his deputy for three days; following complications after prostate cancer surgery. He is currently receiving treatment at the Walter Reed National Medical Center.