Finding Text
HIV Emergency Relief Projects Grants – Assistance Listing No. 93.914
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Harris County Health Department
March 1, 2023 – February 29, 2024 and March 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025
Criteria or specific requirement – Eligibility
Condition – Program benefits were extended to individuals residing outside the designated service area or for whom eligibility was expired.
Cause – The Organization relies on its practice management systems to conduct a portion of the eligibility screening required for this program. During the fiscal year, a new practice management system was purchased and implemented. During this time, the Organization provided training and support in an effort to minimize disruption following this change. However, some new processes appear to have not been followed as the Organization transitioned to the new system and some documentation was noted to be missing or not obtained for transactions occurring during the fiscal year.
Effect or potential effect – Program benefits were provided to individuals that did not meet the eligibility requirements of this federal program.
Questioned costs – None
Context – A sample of 25 transactions were tested from a population of approximately 25,575 transactions, with 4 instances of benefits being received by individuals that did not qualify to receive such benefits. The sampling methodology is not and is not intended to be statistically valid.
Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable – Not a repeat finding
Recommendation – The Organization should review the eligibility policy and procedures to ensure compliance with the HIV Emergency Relief Project Grants Manual and other authoritative guidance while considering improvements that can be made for both potential program beneficiaries and personnel. Continued education efforts and internal audit processes should continue as well.