Finding Text
Criteria: The Health Center Program Compliance Manual requires that a health center establish systems for sliding fee eligibility determination. The Organization should implement procedures that include assessing and re-assessing all patients for income and family size consistent with board-approved policies and poverty guidelines, including the maintenance of related records of such assessments. Condition: During our procedures on the application of the sliding fee, it was noted that 2 out of 53 patients tested were placed on the incorrect sliding fee based on available information regarding the individual?s income. For 1 patient out of 53, no documentation was maintained supporting sliding fee placement. Cause: The Organization began training intake staff on policies regarding application of sliding fees during the fiscal year under audit; however, corrective action was not fully implemented due to lack of time. Effect: In addition to charging an incorrect fee or no fee to the patient, a condition could be placed on the grant?s Notice of Award if HRSA determines that the Organization is not demonstrating compliance with the sliding fee program requirements. Recommendation: We recommend that management continue providing trainings to intake personnel to ensure that patients are placed on the correct sliding fee category based on information provided upon admission and that the fee determination is reviewed and updated as needed. Management?s response: Management agrees with auditor recommendation. Refer to Corrective Action Plan for expected date of completion.