Audit 348226

FY End
2021-12-31
Total Expended
$24.58M
Findings
12
Programs
5
Organization: Astria Health (WA)
Year: 2021 Accepted: 2025-03-25
Auditor: Moss Adams LLP

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
530128 2021-002 Material Weakness - L
530129 2021-002 Material Weakness - L
530130 2021-002 Material Weakness - L
530131 2021-003 Material Weakness - B
530132 2021-003 Material Weakness - B
530133 2021-003 Material Weakness - B
1106570 2021-002 Material Weakness - L
1106571 2021-002 Material Weakness - L
1106572 2021-002 Material Weakness - L
1106573 2021-003 Material Weakness - B
1106574 2021-003 Material Weakness - B
1106575 2021-003 Material Weakness - B

Contacts

Name Title Type
JN7RY7KLED66 Matthew Matthiessen Auditee
5098371379 Mary Wright Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Title: NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION Accounting Policies: NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: NOTE 3 – INDIRECT COST RATE The Organization has elected not to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed under Uniform Guidance. The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards (the Schedule) includes the federal grant activity of Astria Health and Subsidiaries (the Organization), under programs of the federal government for the year ended December 31, 2021. The information in this Schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). Because the Schedule presents only a selected portion of the operations of the Organization, it is not intended to, and does not, present the financial position, changes in net assets, or cash flows of the Organization. The Schedule includes expenditures of federal awards from Astria Health (Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) 81-3973675), Astria Sunnyside Hospital (TIN 91- 1286274), Astria Home Health (TIN 81-4552945), Astria Toppenish Hospital (TIN 81-4670687), Yakima HMA Home Health, LLC (TIN 27-0173556), and Astria Regional Medical Center (TIN 81-4653630). In accordance with guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Organization included the Reporting Period 1 and Period 2 expenditures for Provider Relief Fund, and American Rescue Plan Rural Distribution Assistance Listing No. 93.498 of $23,777,505 in the Schedule for the year ended December 31, 2021, to align with DHHS reporting guidelines. Of this amount, $18,274,943 and $5,502,562 was recognized as revenue during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021, respectively, in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Title: NOTE 4 – SUBRECIPIENT AWARDS Accounting Policies: NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: NOTE 3 – INDIRECT COST RATE The Organization has elected not to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed under Uniform Guidance. The Organization did not provide any federal awards to subrecipients during the year ended December 31, 2021.

Finding Details

Finding 2021-002 – Reporting – Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Instance of Material Noncompliance. See finding 2021-002 for the included table. Criteria: 2021 Compliance Supplement and 2 CFR 200.303(a) stated that the non-federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and terms and conditions of the federal award. Condition/Context: Under the Provider Relief Fund and American Rescue Plan (ARP) Rural Distribution Program (Provider Relief Fund), providers are required to submit reporting to the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) that describes the uses of the funds and how the provider complied with the terms and conditions of the program. The Organization received general and targeted funds for six different entities within the Organization. Repeat Findings from Prior Year(s): This is not a repeat finding. Cause and Effect: In addition to the challenges encountered while operating a health system during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, leading up to the audit period, the Organization was significantly impacted by bankruptcy, turnover of leadership, and the lack of team members that had expertise with grant management and accounting. Those factors coupled with the evolving nature of PRF guidance led to incorrect reporting. The most significant effects noted were: - Lost revenues reported for Period 1 and Period 2 improperly included 2019 revenues from Astria Regional Medical Center, which closed due to reasons unrelated to the COVID-19 pandemic. This overstated lost revenues by approximately $140 million. However, as that issue related to a general distribution, it was determined Period 1 general distributions of $5,124,268 to Astria Health and Subsidiaries could be allocated to another entity within the Organization. Astria Sunnyside Hospital had unreimbursed lost revenue in excess of the Period 1 general distributions. As a result, while there are reporting issues as outlined in this finding, there are no related questioned costs arising from this matter. - Expenditures reported by the Organization were not supported by detailed schedules prior to the commencement of the single audit. After the start of related audit, management compiled and provided a detailed listing of expenditures that exceeded the $10,337,509 reported as expenditures for testing. - The Organization did not have proper controls in place to ensure the reports are prepared and reviewed by separate individuals and that evidence of review was documented and retained.- The Organization did not have proper document retention controls in place to support timely submission of three of five reports filed with HRSA. Questioned costs: None to be reported. Recommendation: We recommend management implement policies and procedures to ensure required reports for grants are prepared and reviewed by separate individuals with evidence of review documented and that financial reports are submitted timely with underlying support properly documented. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. The Organization will review and modify policies and procedures over Federal Grant Awards to ensure management implements policies and procedures to ensure there is understanding of the terms and conditions of Federal awards and that reports are prepared and reviewed by separate individuals with evidence of review documented.
Finding 2021-002 – Reporting – Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Instance of Material Noncompliance. See finding 2021-002 for the included table. Criteria: 2021 Compliance Supplement and 2 CFR 200.303(a) stated that the non-federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and terms and conditions of the federal award. Condition/Context: Under the Provider Relief Fund and American Rescue Plan (ARP) Rural Distribution Program (Provider Relief Fund), providers are required to submit reporting to the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) that describes the uses of the funds and how the provider complied with the terms and conditions of the program. The Organization received general and targeted funds for six different entities within the Organization. Repeat Findings from Prior Year(s): This is not a repeat finding. Cause and Effect: In addition to the challenges encountered while operating a health system during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, leading up to the audit period, the Organization was significantly impacted by bankruptcy, turnover of leadership, and the lack of team members that had expertise with grant management and accounting. Those factors coupled with the evolving nature of PRF guidance led to incorrect reporting. The most significant effects noted were: - Lost revenues reported for Period 1 and Period 2 improperly included 2019 revenues from Astria Regional Medical Center, which closed due to reasons unrelated to the COVID-19 pandemic. This overstated lost revenues by approximately $140 million. However, as that issue related to a general distribution, it was determined Period 1 general distributions of $5,124,268 to Astria Health and Subsidiaries could be allocated to another entity within the Organization. Astria Sunnyside Hospital had unreimbursed lost revenue in excess of the Period 1 general distributions. As a result, while there are reporting issues as outlined in this finding, there are no related questioned costs arising from this matter. - Expenditures reported by the Organization were not supported by detailed schedules prior to the commencement of the single audit. After the start of related audit, management compiled and provided a detailed listing of expenditures that exceeded the $10,337,509 reported as expenditures for testing. - The Organization did not have proper controls in place to ensure the reports are prepared and reviewed by separate individuals and that evidence of review was documented and retained.- The Organization did not have proper document retention controls in place to support timely submission of three of five reports filed with HRSA. Questioned costs: None to be reported. Recommendation: We recommend management implement policies and procedures to ensure required reports for grants are prepared and reviewed by separate individuals with evidence of review documented and that financial reports are submitted timely with underlying support properly documented. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. The Organization will review and modify policies and procedures over Federal Grant Awards to ensure management implements policies and procedures to ensure there is understanding of the terms and conditions of Federal awards and that reports are prepared and reviewed by separate individuals with evidence of review documented.
Finding 2021-002 – Reporting – Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Instance of Material Noncompliance. See finding 2021-002 for the included table. Criteria: 2021 Compliance Supplement and 2 CFR 200.303(a) stated that the non-federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and terms and conditions of the federal award. Condition/Context: Under the Provider Relief Fund and American Rescue Plan (ARP) Rural Distribution Program (Provider Relief Fund), providers are required to submit reporting to the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) that describes the uses of the funds and how the provider complied with the terms and conditions of the program. The Organization received general and targeted funds for six different entities within the Organization. Repeat Findings from Prior Year(s): This is not a repeat finding. Cause and Effect: In addition to the challenges encountered while operating a health system during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, leading up to the audit period, the Organization was significantly impacted by bankruptcy, turnover of leadership, and the lack of team members that had expertise with grant management and accounting. Those factors coupled with the evolving nature of PRF guidance led to incorrect reporting. The most significant effects noted were: - Lost revenues reported for Period 1 and Period 2 improperly included 2019 revenues from Astria Regional Medical Center, which closed due to reasons unrelated to the COVID-19 pandemic. This overstated lost revenues by approximately $140 million. However, as that issue related to a general distribution, it was determined Period 1 general distributions of $5,124,268 to Astria Health and Subsidiaries could be allocated to another entity within the Organization. Astria Sunnyside Hospital had unreimbursed lost revenue in excess of the Period 1 general distributions. As a result, while there are reporting issues as outlined in this finding, there are no related questioned costs arising from this matter. - Expenditures reported by the Organization were not supported by detailed schedules prior to the commencement of the single audit. After the start of related audit, management compiled and provided a detailed listing of expenditures that exceeded the $10,337,509 reported as expenditures for testing. - The Organization did not have proper controls in place to ensure the reports are prepared and reviewed by separate individuals and that evidence of review was documented and retained.- The Organization did not have proper document retention controls in place to support timely submission of three of five reports filed with HRSA. Questioned costs: None to be reported. Recommendation: We recommend management implement policies and procedures to ensure required reports for grants are prepared and reviewed by separate individuals with evidence of review documented and that financial reports are submitted timely with underlying support properly documented. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. The Organization will review and modify policies and procedures over Federal Grant Awards to ensure management implements policies and procedures to ensure there is understanding of the terms and conditions of Federal awards and that reports are prepared and reviewed by separate individuals with evidence of review documented.
Finding 2021-003 – Allowable Costs/Cost Principles – Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Instance of Material Noncompliance. See finding 2021-002 for the included table. Criteria: 2021 Compliance Supplement and 2 CFR 200.403(h) stated that a non-federal entity may charge only allowable costs incurred during the approved budget period of a federal award’s period of performance. In addition, the PRF terms and conditions noted that to be considered an allowable expense under PRF, the expense must be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19 and that those expenses were not reimbursed from other sources and other sources were not obligated to reimburse them. Condition/Context: The Organization decided that it was critical to keep Astria Toppenish Hospital (Toppenish) operating during the COVID-19 pandemic despite Toppenish experiencing losses. As a result, the Organization determined that all expenses of the Organization not explicitly unallowable per the related guidance and not reimbursed or obligated to be reimbursed by other sources qualified as allowable expenses that prevented, prepared for, and responded to COVID-19 during the period of availability that they were experiencing losses for Toppenish. Internal unaudited financial statements had losses in excess of the PRF funds used for expenses. Support was audited for expenses selected; however, because there were no financial statement audits performed from 2018 – 2020, we were unable to audit the Toppenish losses calculated by management. Repeat Findings from Prior Year(s): This is not a repeat finding. Cause/Effect: In addition to the challenges encountered while operating a health system during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading up to the audit period, the Organization was significantly impacted by bankruptcy and turnover of leadership. As a result, no financial statement audits were performed from 2018 – 2020. A financial statement audit was performed in 2021; however, the related Toppenish expenses were incurred prior to December 31, 2020. We were unable to obtain audit evidence supporting Toppenish’s losses for the year ended December 31, 2020. As a result of these matters, we were unable to determine whether the Organization complied with the allowable costs/cost principles requirements applicable to the major program. Questioned costs: Could not be determined. Recommendation: We recommend management implement policies and procedures to ensure that the Organization understands the terms and conditions of the Federal award and can meet the related compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. The Organization will review and modify policies and procedures over the program to ensure management implements policies and procedures to ensure there is understanding of the terms and conditions of Federal awards.
Finding 2021-003 – Allowable Costs/Cost Principles – Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Instance of Material Noncompliance. See finding 2021-002 for the included table. Criteria: 2021 Compliance Supplement and 2 CFR 200.403(h) stated that a non-federal entity may charge only allowable costs incurred during the approved budget period of a federal award’s period of performance. In addition, the PRF terms and conditions noted that to be considered an allowable expense under PRF, the expense must be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19 and that those expenses were not reimbursed from other sources and other sources were not obligated to reimburse them. Condition/Context: The Organization decided that it was critical to keep Astria Toppenish Hospital (Toppenish) operating during the COVID-19 pandemic despite Toppenish experiencing losses. As a result, the Organization determined that all expenses of the Organization not explicitly unallowable per the related guidance and not reimbursed or obligated to be reimbursed by other sources qualified as allowable expenses that prevented, prepared for, and responded to COVID-19 during the period of availability that they were experiencing losses for Toppenish. Internal unaudited financial statements had losses in excess of the PRF funds used for expenses. Support was audited for expenses selected; however, because there were no financial statement audits performed from 2018 – 2020, we were unable to audit the Toppenish losses calculated by management. Repeat Findings from Prior Year(s): This is not a repeat finding. Cause/Effect: In addition to the challenges encountered while operating a health system during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading up to the audit period, the Organization was significantly impacted by bankruptcy and turnover of leadership. As a result, no financial statement audits were performed from 2018 – 2020. A financial statement audit was performed in 2021; however, the related Toppenish expenses were incurred prior to December 31, 2020. We were unable to obtain audit evidence supporting Toppenish’s losses for the year ended December 31, 2020. As a result of these matters, we were unable to determine whether the Organization complied with the allowable costs/cost principles requirements applicable to the major program. Questioned costs: Could not be determined. Recommendation: We recommend management implement policies and procedures to ensure that the Organization understands the terms and conditions of the Federal award and can meet the related compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. The Organization will review and modify policies and procedures over the program to ensure management implements policies and procedures to ensure there is understanding of the terms and conditions of Federal awards.
Finding 2021-003 – Allowable Costs/Cost Principles – Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Instance of Material Noncompliance. See finding 2021-002 for the included table. Criteria: 2021 Compliance Supplement and 2 CFR 200.403(h) stated that a non-federal entity may charge only allowable costs incurred during the approved budget period of a federal award’s period of performance. In addition, the PRF terms and conditions noted that to be considered an allowable expense under PRF, the expense must be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19 and that those expenses were not reimbursed from other sources and other sources were not obligated to reimburse them. Condition/Context: The Organization decided that it was critical to keep Astria Toppenish Hospital (Toppenish) operating during the COVID-19 pandemic despite Toppenish experiencing losses. As a result, the Organization determined that all expenses of the Organization not explicitly unallowable per the related guidance and not reimbursed or obligated to be reimbursed by other sources qualified as allowable expenses that prevented, prepared for, and responded to COVID-19 during the period of availability that they were experiencing losses for Toppenish. Internal unaudited financial statements had losses in excess of the PRF funds used for expenses. Support was audited for expenses selected; however, because there were no financial statement audits performed from 2018 – 2020, we were unable to audit the Toppenish losses calculated by management. Repeat Findings from Prior Year(s): This is not a repeat finding. Cause/Effect: In addition to the challenges encountered while operating a health system during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading up to the audit period, the Organization was significantly impacted by bankruptcy and turnover of leadership. As a result, no financial statement audits were performed from 2018 – 2020. A financial statement audit was performed in 2021; however, the related Toppenish expenses were incurred prior to December 31, 2020. We were unable to obtain audit evidence supporting Toppenish’s losses for the year ended December 31, 2020. As a result of these matters, we were unable to determine whether the Organization complied with the allowable costs/cost principles requirements applicable to the major program. Questioned costs: Could not be determined. Recommendation: We recommend management implement policies and procedures to ensure that the Organization understands the terms and conditions of the Federal award and can meet the related compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. The Organization will review and modify policies and procedures over the program to ensure management implements policies and procedures to ensure there is understanding of the terms and conditions of Federal awards.
Finding 2021-002 – Reporting – Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Instance of Material Noncompliance. See finding 2021-002 for the included table. Criteria: 2021 Compliance Supplement and 2 CFR 200.303(a) stated that the non-federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and terms and conditions of the federal award. Condition/Context: Under the Provider Relief Fund and American Rescue Plan (ARP) Rural Distribution Program (Provider Relief Fund), providers are required to submit reporting to the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) that describes the uses of the funds and how the provider complied with the terms and conditions of the program. The Organization received general and targeted funds for six different entities within the Organization. Repeat Findings from Prior Year(s): This is not a repeat finding. Cause and Effect: In addition to the challenges encountered while operating a health system during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, leading up to the audit period, the Organization was significantly impacted by bankruptcy, turnover of leadership, and the lack of team members that had expertise with grant management and accounting. Those factors coupled with the evolving nature of PRF guidance led to incorrect reporting. The most significant effects noted were: - Lost revenues reported for Period 1 and Period 2 improperly included 2019 revenues from Astria Regional Medical Center, which closed due to reasons unrelated to the COVID-19 pandemic. This overstated lost revenues by approximately $140 million. However, as that issue related to a general distribution, it was determined Period 1 general distributions of $5,124,268 to Astria Health and Subsidiaries could be allocated to another entity within the Organization. Astria Sunnyside Hospital had unreimbursed lost revenue in excess of the Period 1 general distributions. As a result, while there are reporting issues as outlined in this finding, there are no related questioned costs arising from this matter. - Expenditures reported by the Organization were not supported by detailed schedules prior to the commencement of the single audit. After the start of related audit, management compiled and provided a detailed listing of expenditures that exceeded the $10,337,509 reported as expenditures for testing. - The Organization did not have proper controls in place to ensure the reports are prepared and reviewed by separate individuals and that evidence of review was documented and retained.- The Organization did not have proper document retention controls in place to support timely submission of three of five reports filed with HRSA. Questioned costs: None to be reported. Recommendation: We recommend management implement policies and procedures to ensure required reports for grants are prepared and reviewed by separate individuals with evidence of review documented and that financial reports are submitted timely with underlying support properly documented. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. The Organization will review and modify policies and procedures over Federal Grant Awards to ensure management implements policies and procedures to ensure there is understanding of the terms and conditions of Federal awards and that reports are prepared and reviewed by separate individuals with evidence of review documented.
Finding 2021-002 – Reporting – Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Instance of Material Noncompliance. See finding 2021-002 for the included table. Criteria: 2021 Compliance Supplement and 2 CFR 200.303(a) stated that the non-federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and terms and conditions of the federal award. Condition/Context: Under the Provider Relief Fund and American Rescue Plan (ARP) Rural Distribution Program (Provider Relief Fund), providers are required to submit reporting to the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) that describes the uses of the funds and how the provider complied with the terms and conditions of the program. The Organization received general and targeted funds for six different entities within the Organization. Repeat Findings from Prior Year(s): This is not a repeat finding. Cause and Effect: In addition to the challenges encountered while operating a health system during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, leading up to the audit period, the Organization was significantly impacted by bankruptcy, turnover of leadership, and the lack of team members that had expertise with grant management and accounting. Those factors coupled with the evolving nature of PRF guidance led to incorrect reporting. The most significant effects noted were: - Lost revenues reported for Period 1 and Period 2 improperly included 2019 revenues from Astria Regional Medical Center, which closed due to reasons unrelated to the COVID-19 pandemic. This overstated lost revenues by approximately $140 million. However, as that issue related to a general distribution, it was determined Period 1 general distributions of $5,124,268 to Astria Health and Subsidiaries could be allocated to another entity within the Organization. Astria Sunnyside Hospital had unreimbursed lost revenue in excess of the Period 1 general distributions. As a result, while there are reporting issues as outlined in this finding, there are no related questioned costs arising from this matter. - Expenditures reported by the Organization were not supported by detailed schedules prior to the commencement of the single audit. After the start of related audit, management compiled and provided a detailed listing of expenditures that exceeded the $10,337,509 reported as expenditures for testing. - The Organization did not have proper controls in place to ensure the reports are prepared and reviewed by separate individuals and that evidence of review was documented and retained.- The Organization did not have proper document retention controls in place to support timely submission of three of five reports filed with HRSA. Questioned costs: None to be reported. Recommendation: We recommend management implement policies and procedures to ensure required reports for grants are prepared and reviewed by separate individuals with evidence of review documented and that financial reports are submitted timely with underlying support properly documented. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. The Organization will review and modify policies and procedures over Federal Grant Awards to ensure management implements policies and procedures to ensure there is understanding of the terms and conditions of Federal awards and that reports are prepared and reviewed by separate individuals with evidence of review documented.
Finding 2021-002 – Reporting – Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Instance of Material Noncompliance. See finding 2021-002 for the included table. Criteria: 2021 Compliance Supplement and 2 CFR 200.303(a) stated that the non-federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and terms and conditions of the federal award. Condition/Context: Under the Provider Relief Fund and American Rescue Plan (ARP) Rural Distribution Program (Provider Relief Fund), providers are required to submit reporting to the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) that describes the uses of the funds and how the provider complied with the terms and conditions of the program. The Organization received general and targeted funds for six different entities within the Organization. Repeat Findings from Prior Year(s): This is not a repeat finding. Cause and Effect: In addition to the challenges encountered while operating a health system during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, leading up to the audit period, the Organization was significantly impacted by bankruptcy, turnover of leadership, and the lack of team members that had expertise with grant management and accounting. Those factors coupled with the evolving nature of PRF guidance led to incorrect reporting. The most significant effects noted were: - Lost revenues reported for Period 1 and Period 2 improperly included 2019 revenues from Astria Regional Medical Center, which closed due to reasons unrelated to the COVID-19 pandemic. This overstated lost revenues by approximately $140 million. However, as that issue related to a general distribution, it was determined Period 1 general distributions of $5,124,268 to Astria Health and Subsidiaries could be allocated to another entity within the Organization. Astria Sunnyside Hospital had unreimbursed lost revenue in excess of the Period 1 general distributions. As a result, while there are reporting issues as outlined in this finding, there are no related questioned costs arising from this matter. - Expenditures reported by the Organization were not supported by detailed schedules prior to the commencement of the single audit. After the start of related audit, management compiled and provided a detailed listing of expenditures that exceeded the $10,337,509 reported as expenditures for testing. - The Organization did not have proper controls in place to ensure the reports are prepared and reviewed by separate individuals and that evidence of review was documented and retained.- The Organization did not have proper document retention controls in place to support timely submission of three of five reports filed with HRSA. Questioned costs: None to be reported. Recommendation: We recommend management implement policies and procedures to ensure required reports for grants are prepared and reviewed by separate individuals with evidence of review documented and that financial reports are submitted timely with underlying support properly documented. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. The Organization will review and modify policies and procedures over Federal Grant Awards to ensure management implements policies and procedures to ensure there is understanding of the terms and conditions of Federal awards and that reports are prepared and reviewed by separate individuals with evidence of review documented.
Finding 2021-003 – Allowable Costs/Cost Principles – Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Instance of Material Noncompliance. See finding 2021-002 for the included table. Criteria: 2021 Compliance Supplement and 2 CFR 200.403(h) stated that a non-federal entity may charge only allowable costs incurred during the approved budget period of a federal award’s period of performance. In addition, the PRF terms and conditions noted that to be considered an allowable expense under PRF, the expense must be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19 and that those expenses were not reimbursed from other sources and other sources were not obligated to reimburse them. Condition/Context: The Organization decided that it was critical to keep Astria Toppenish Hospital (Toppenish) operating during the COVID-19 pandemic despite Toppenish experiencing losses. As a result, the Organization determined that all expenses of the Organization not explicitly unallowable per the related guidance and not reimbursed or obligated to be reimbursed by other sources qualified as allowable expenses that prevented, prepared for, and responded to COVID-19 during the period of availability that they were experiencing losses for Toppenish. Internal unaudited financial statements had losses in excess of the PRF funds used for expenses. Support was audited for expenses selected; however, because there were no financial statement audits performed from 2018 – 2020, we were unable to audit the Toppenish losses calculated by management. Repeat Findings from Prior Year(s): This is not a repeat finding. Cause/Effect: In addition to the challenges encountered while operating a health system during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading up to the audit period, the Organization was significantly impacted by bankruptcy and turnover of leadership. As a result, no financial statement audits were performed from 2018 – 2020. A financial statement audit was performed in 2021; however, the related Toppenish expenses were incurred prior to December 31, 2020. We were unable to obtain audit evidence supporting Toppenish’s losses for the year ended December 31, 2020. As a result of these matters, we were unable to determine whether the Organization complied with the allowable costs/cost principles requirements applicable to the major program. Questioned costs: Could not be determined. Recommendation: We recommend management implement policies and procedures to ensure that the Organization understands the terms and conditions of the Federal award and can meet the related compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. The Organization will review and modify policies and procedures over the program to ensure management implements policies and procedures to ensure there is understanding of the terms and conditions of Federal awards.
Finding 2021-003 – Allowable Costs/Cost Principles – Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Instance of Material Noncompliance. See finding 2021-002 for the included table. Criteria: 2021 Compliance Supplement and 2 CFR 200.403(h) stated that a non-federal entity may charge only allowable costs incurred during the approved budget period of a federal award’s period of performance. In addition, the PRF terms and conditions noted that to be considered an allowable expense under PRF, the expense must be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19 and that those expenses were not reimbursed from other sources and other sources were not obligated to reimburse them. Condition/Context: The Organization decided that it was critical to keep Astria Toppenish Hospital (Toppenish) operating during the COVID-19 pandemic despite Toppenish experiencing losses. As a result, the Organization determined that all expenses of the Organization not explicitly unallowable per the related guidance and not reimbursed or obligated to be reimbursed by other sources qualified as allowable expenses that prevented, prepared for, and responded to COVID-19 during the period of availability that they were experiencing losses for Toppenish. Internal unaudited financial statements had losses in excess of the PRF funds used for expenses. Support was audited for expenses selected; however, because there were no financial statement audits performed from 2018 – 2020, we were unable to audit the Toppenish losses calculated by management. Repeat Findings from Prior Year(s): This is not a repeat finding. Cause/Effect: In addition to the challenges encountered while operating a health system during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading up to the audit period, the Organization was significantly impacted by bankruptcy and turnover of leadership. As a result, no financial statement audits were performed from 2018 – 2020. A financial statement audit was performed in 2021; however, the related Toppenish expenses were incurred prior to December 31, 2020. We were unable to obtain audit evidence supporting Toppenish’s losses for the year ended December 31, 2020. As a result of these matters, we were unable to determine whether the Organization complied with the allowable costs/cost principles requirements applicable to the major program. Questioned costs: Could not be determined. Recommendation: We recommend management implement policies and procedures to ensure that the Organization understands the terms and conditions of the Federal award and can meet the related compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. The Organization will review and modify policies and procedures over the program to ensure management implements policies and procedures to ensure there is understanding of the terms and conditions of Federal awards.
Finding 2021-003 – Allowable Costs/Cost Principles – Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Instance of Material Noncompliance. See finding 2021-002 for the included table. Criteria: 2021 Compliance Supplement and 2 CFR 200.403(h) stated that a non-federal entity may charge only allowable costs incurred during the approved budget period of a federal award’s period of performance. In addition, the PRF terms and conditions noted that to be considered an allowable expense under PRF, the expense must be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19 and that those expenses were not reimbursed from other sources and other sources were not obligated to reimburse them. Condition/Context: The Organization decided that it was critical to keep Astria Toppenish Hospital (Toppenish) operating during the COVID-19 pandemic despite Toppenish experiencing losses. As a result, the Organization determined that all expenses of the Organization not explicitly unallowable per the related guidance and not reimbursed or obligated to be reimbursed by other sources qualified as allowable expenses that prevented, prepared for, and responded to COVID-19 during the period of availability that they were experiencing losses for Toppenish. Internal unaudited financial statements had losses in excess of the PRF funds used for expenses. Support was audited for expenses selected; however, because there were no financial statement audits performed from 2018 – 2020, we were unable to audit the Toppenish losses calculated by management. Repeat Findings from Prior Year(s): This is not a repeat finding. Cause/Effect: In addition to the challenges encountered while operating a health system during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading up to the audit period, the Organization was significantly impacted by bankruptcy and turnover of leadership. As a result, no financial statement audits were performed from 2018 – 2020. A financial statement audit was performed in 2021; however, the related Toppenish expenses were incurred prior to December 31, 2020. We were unable to obtain audit evidence supporting Toppenish’s losses for the year ended December 31, 2020. As a result of these matters, we were unable to determine whether the Organization complied with the allowable costs/cost principles requirements applicable to the major program. Questioned costs: Could not be determined. Recommendation: We recommend management implement policies and procedures to ensure that the Organization understands the terms and conditions of the Federal award and can meet the related compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. The Organization will review and modify policies and procedures over the program to ensure management implements policies and procedures to ensure there is understanding of the terms and conditions of Federal awards.