Finding 49992 (2022-001)

Significant Deficiency

Requirement

Questioned Costs

Year

2022

Accepted

2023-08-14

Audit: 43944

Organization: The Native Project (WA)

Auditor: Dingus Zarecor & Associates PLLC

AI Summary

Core Issue: The Organization is not conducting required fingerprint checks as part of background investigations for positions involving contact with Indian children.
Impacted Requirements: This violates contract terms set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, indicating a significant compliance deficiency.
Recommended Follow-Up: Update hiring policies to include all necessary background investigation requirements to ensure compliance with the contract.

Finding Text

2022-001 Special Tests and Provisions Program Information Federal Organization U.S Department of Health and Human Services Assistance Listing Numbers 93.193 Urban Indian Health Services Award Numbers 75H71320C00003 Criteria Based on the terms of the contract, the Organization is required to conduct a background investigation for every individual being considered for a position that involves regular contact with or control over Indian children. That investigation is required to include fingerprint checks and the results must be cleared prior to any individual beginning such position. [X] Compliance Finding [X] Significant Deficiency [ ] Material Weakness Condition The Organization?s background investigations do not currently include fingerprint checks, as required by the contract. Context This finding appears to be a systemic problem. Cause The Organization?s policies and procedures relating to hiring were not updated to include all of the background investigation requirements when the updated contract was signed. Effect The Organization?s background investigations are not sufficient to meet the requirements of the contract. Questioned Costs None identified Recommendation We recommend the Organization update its hiring policies to ensure the appropriate level of investigation is performed over individuals being considered for positions that involve regular contact with or control over Indian children. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective action

Corrective Action Plan

Current year audit findings: 2022-001 Special Tests and Provisions Corrective action planned: The Organization is working directly with IHS to develop policies that will include all the necessary background investigation steps to ensure its pre-employment checks are in compliance with the contractual requirements. The Organization will formally update its policies after it has determined, with the help of IHS, that the policies are sufficient. We will work with IHS to get a final determination for contract compliance. After receiving a definite answer and technical assistance and guidance from IHS, NATIVE could begin the fingerprint background process for identified staff and volunteers. Anticipated completion date: December 2023 Contact person responsible for corrective action: Joe Dressler, HR Director; Toni Lodge, CEO

Other Findings in this Audit

49993 2022-001

Significant Deficiency
49994 2022-001

Significant Deficiency
49995 2022-001

Significant Deficiency
626434 2022-001

Significant Deficiency
626435 2022-001

Significant Deficiency
626436 2022-001

Significant Deficiency
626437 2022-001

Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN	Program Name	Expenditures
93.527	Affordable Care Act (aca) Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program	$998,863
93.224	Consolidated Health Centers (community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care)	$583,703
93.237	Special Diabetes Program for Indians_diabetes Prevention and Treatment Projects	$429,252
21.027	Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds	$402,466
93.193	Urban Indian Health Services	$38,463
93.959	Block Grants for Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse	$25,355
93.800	Organized Approaches to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening	$19,200
93.958	Block Grants for Community Mental Health Services	$17,460
93.788	Opioid Str	$15,806
93.898	Cancer Prevention and Control Programs for State, Territorial and Tribal Organizations	$9,343