Finding 561558 (2024-001)

Finding 2024-001: Community Health Worker Training Program Eligibility Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services Program: Community Health Worker Training Program Assistance Listing #: 93.516 May 27, 2025 ________________________________________ Management Response: Sunset Park Health Council Inc. acknowledges the audit finding related to the lack of documented verification for eligibility criterion (2)—proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency—for participants in the Community Health Worker Training Program (CHWTP) for the year ended August 31, 2024. While management initially performed a verbal verification, management subsequently began a retroactive verification to obtain documentation supporting that all trainees met eligibility criteria. We also recognize the need for a formalized control process to ensure documentation of compliance at the point of enrollment is maintained.________________________________________ Corrective Action Plan: To prevent recurrence of this issue, the following steps will be implemented: 1. Revised Intake Process A standardized intake form will be implemented and must be completed at the time of screening by the FHC Program Supervisor in collaboration with the participant. This form will: o Attest that all required eligibility documents have been collected, including proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency (criterion 2). o Include a checklist for all documentation required for program participation. o Require three signatures: - Participant - FHC Program Supervisor (who conducted the screening and verified eligibility documentation) - Program Director (PD) or Principal Investigator (PI), who will review and approve the documentation to confirm completeness. 2. Privacy and Data Security o All documentation will be redacted to block any sensitive Personally Identifiable Information (PII) to prevent potential identity theft. o Documents will be digitally archived in a secured, access-controlled location with appropriate cybersecurity protocols in place. 3. Training and Oversight o All staff involved in intake and eligibility verification will receive training on the updated intake process, documentation standards, and data privacy requirements. o A quarterly internal review will be conducted by the Program Director to ensure continued compliance.________________________________________ Timeline for Implementation: Sunset Park plans to begin the above actions in May of 2025 and complete implementation in August 2025. Responsible Individual Leonardo Arias - Director of Grants Email : Leonardo.Arias@nyulangone.org