Finding 45097 (2022-001)

2022 ? 001 Federal agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal program title: Health Center Program Cluster CFDA Number: 93.224 and 93.527 Award Period: June 1, 2021 through May 31, 2022 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Compliance Criteria or specific requirement: Special Tests and Provisions: Sliding Fee Discounts (42 USC 254(k)(3)(g); 42 CFR section 51c.303(g) and 42 CFR section 56.303(f)). Condition: North Olympic Healthcare Network?s (the Organization) sliding fee discount program provides discounts to uninsured patients based on the patient?s income and poverty levels. During our audit we noted one instance of an inaccurate sliding fee discount provided. Questioned costs: None. Context: A sample of 25 encounters were tested in relation to the sliding fee discount program. Of the 25 encounters tested one was found to not have received the proper sliding fee discount based upon the patient?s application. Cause: The Organization did not comply with their sliding fee policy. Effect: Improper sliding fee discount was applied to a patient?s account. Repeat finding: No. Recommendation: Management should review their policies and procedures with the personnel responsible for providing the sliding fee discount. We also recommend that management implement, monthly or quarterly, a self-audit process of newly approved sliding fee discount applicants and their associated patient record. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.