Finding 1190944 (2025-001)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-03-27
Audit: 395218
Organization: Uintah Basin Medical Center (UT)
Auditor: DZA PLLC

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Medical Center lacks written policies and procedures for managing USDA reserve accounts.
  • Impacted Requirements: This deficiency poses a risk of non-compliance with USDA loan agreements.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Develop and implement formal policies to ensure compliance with USDA reserve account requirements.

Finding Text

Section III ‒ Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs 2025-001 – Policies and Procedures for United Stated Department of Agriculture Reserve Funds Federal Agency United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA) Federal Assistance Listing Number 10.766 – Community Facilities Loans and Grants Federal Award Identification Number Not available Federal Award Years 2018-2059 Criteria [ ] Compliance Finding [ ] Significant Deficiency [X] Material Weakness The Medical Center should maintain written policies and procedures for the correct funding of required reserve accounts to ensure compliance with relevant requirements. These policies should also document how the reserve funds may be spent. Condition The Medical Center did not have written policies and procedures for the reserve accounts required by the USDA. Context This finding appears to be an isolated instance. Effect There is a risk that the Hospital may not be in compliance with the requirements of the USDA loan agreements. Cause The Medical Center did not develop written policies and procedures over relevant internal controls. Recommendation We recommend the Medical Center create policies and procedures addressing the USDA reserve account compliance requirements. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions We recognize the importance of maintaining formal, written policies and procedures to ensure consistent compliance with USDA reserve account requirements and to provide clear guidance on the authorized use of these funds.

Corrective Action Plan

2025-001 - Policies and Procedures for United Stated Department of Agriculture Reserve Funds Corrective action planned: Upon discovery of the missing documentation, the Medical Center’s finance department immediately initiated a review of the USDA loan agreement. The following actions have been taken to remediate the material weakness: ● Policy Development: Management has drafted and implemented a formal “USDA Reserve Fund Policy.” This document explicitly outlines the annual funding requirements and the specific protocols for the disbursement and use of funds. ● Internal Control Implementation: We have established a monthly reconciliation process to verify that the required amounts are transferred and maintained timely. ● Resolution of Underfunding: As noted by the auditors, any historical funding discrepancies were fully addressed and rectified by September 2025. The accounts are currently funded in accordance with the loan covenants. Anticipated completion date: Completed September 2025 Contact person responsible for corrective action: Brent Hales, CFO

Categories

Material Weakness Significant Deficiency Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
10.766 COMMUNITY FACILITIES LOANS AND GRANTS $62.62M
93.391 ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT STATE, TRIBAL, LOCAL AND TERRITORIAL (STLT) HEALTH DEPARTMENT RESPONSE TO PUBLIC HEALTH OR HEALTHCARE CRISES $90,000
93.301 SMALL RURAL HOSPITAL IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM $12,077