Performance auditors evaluate the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of state agency programs, functions, and activities and provide that information to legislators and public officials. Under the provisions of the Louisiana Performance Audit Program, performance auditors must conduct at least one performance audit of each of the 20 executive branch departments over a seven-year period. In addition, legislators may request an audit of a particular agency or an audit may be conducted in response to a specific issue or problem. Performance auditors are based in Baton Rouge and have advanced degrees in a variety of backgrounds, including public administration, law, business administration, and other social science fields.