Finding 388235 (2023-001)

Finding 2023-001—Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance Finding: ALN#93.498 Provider Relief Fund and American Rescue Plan Rural Distribution Criteria - In pursuant with the Post-Payment Notice of Reporting Requirements, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) mandates a series of special reporting timelines corresponding to applicable Provider Relief Fund (PRF) and American Rescue Plan (ARP) Rural payments received period. Reporting must be completed and submitted to HRSA by the last date of the reporting time period. Condition and Context - For PRF payments received between January and June 2022 ("PRF5"), Heritage Valley completed and reviewed the report draft internally but failed to submit the report officially in HRSA reporting portal by the due date of September 30, 2023. This was the only instance of PRF report overdue identified. To date, Heritage Valley has been in close contact with HRSA to seek approval for Request to Report Late Due to Extenuating Circumstances and such approval has been made verbally. Heritage Valley is waiting to take next steps upon formal notification from HRSA. Questioned Costs - none Cause- The reporting deadline was missed because the employee was solely responsible for PRF reporting in the HRSA portal resigned two months before the due date of September 30, 2023. Effect - Heritage Valley failed to establish proper process and controls to ensure the report was submitted timely despite that the report draft was reviewed for completeness and accuracy. Recommendation - Heritage Valley should design and implement internal controls addressing the timeliness of federal reporting requirement. Views of Responsible Officials - See Corrective Action Plan Part IV- Prior Year Findings N/A