Finding 8714 (2022-008)

Material Weakness
Requirement
L
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2024-01-17

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Corporation failed to report the full amount of Provider Relief Funds spent during the required time period, leading to potential compliance risks.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-compliance with the reporting guidelines set by the Health Resources & Services Administration for funds exceeding $10,000.
  • Recommended Follow-up: Management should improve federal fund administration procedures and communicate with HHS for guidance on correcting the reporting error.

Finding Text

Finding No. 2022-008 – Provider Relief Fund Reporting Time Period Name of Federal Agency U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Pass-through Entity N/A Category Non-compliance / Material weakness in internal controls over compliance Compliance Requirements Reporting Criteria According to the guidelines governing the Provider Relief Fund (PRF), recipients who received one or more PRF and or ARP payments exceeding $10,000, in the aggregate, during a Payment Received Period are required to report in each applicable Reporting Period as outlined in a provided timetable by the Health Resources & Services Administration. The table below is the applicable to the funds received by the Corporation: Condition The Corporation did not report the entire amount of Provider Relief Funds expensed during Period 1 by the Reporting Time Period. By unintentional error, the Corporation reported those transactions that were already paid as of June 30, 2021, instead of reporting all transactions that were already incurred and supported with a purchase order by the end of the Period of Availability for Expenses. Effects As a result of this condition, the Health Resources & Services Administration may request the return of funds, issue warnings and/or impose penalties to the Corporation. Questioned Cost None. Context The Corporation reported on the schedule of expenditures of federal awards expenses amounting to $1,465,048 in connection with the Provider Relief Fund. However, the Corporation reported on the Health Resources and Service Administration portal expenses amounting to $1,092,303 by the Reporting Time Period. Funds amounting to $372,745 are still pending to be reported as of the date that the financial statement were available to be issued. Identification of a repeat finding This is not a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit. Recommendations The management of the Corporation should reinforce its procedures of the administration of federal funds to ensure the compliance with the requirements with each program. Also, the Corporation should establish communication with the Health Resources & Services Administration in order to obtain instructions for the correction of the non-compliance event. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions The Corporation’s management and responsible officers agree with this finding. Please refer to the corrective action plan section for the Corporation’s response on pages 89 to 98.

Corrective Action Plan

Finding No. 2022-008 - Provider Relief Fund Reporting Time Period Condition The Corporation did not report the entire amount of Provider Relief Funds expensed during Period 1 by the Reporting Time Period. Corporation response The Corporation agrees with the finding. Corrective Action Plan Upon receipt of the audit findings, we initiated an immediate review of our reporting procedures. We have identified specific areas that require attention and are implementing immediate corrective actions to address the identified deficiencies. ■ Policies and Procedures Review - Simultaneously, we are reviewing our existing policies and procedures related to federal awards reporting. This includes a reassessment of reporting timelines, data validation processes, and the overall framework for ensuring accuracy and completeness in our reports. ■ Staff Training and Development - Recognizing the critical role of our personnel in the reporting process, we are providing additional training to the individuals involved. This training will emphasize the importance of adherence to reporting guidelines, accurate data entry, and the significance of meeting established deadlines. • Communication Protocol Enhancement - We recognize the importance of effective communication regarding reporting processes. To address this, we are enhancing our communication protocols to ensure that all relevant stakeholders are informed of reporting requirements, timelines, and any changes to procedures. • Monitoring - The Corporation designated the Financial Planning and Analysis Associate Director in charge of monitoring the compliance with the federal awards reporting requirements. • Reporting Update - Since the Health Resources and Service Administration reporting portal is already closed, the Corporation will initiate a communication process with the Health Resources and Service Administration to inform about the funds not reported due to timing difference. Names of the CQJJJact persons responsible for corrective action plan Jesus A Rodriguez Aviles - Financial Planning and Analysis Associate Director Cecilia Robles Kakiuchi - Financial Planning and Analysis Director Anticipated Completion Date Fiscal year 2024

Categories

Reporting Procurement, Suspension & Debarment Subrecipient Monitoring Material Weakness

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 8712 2022-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 8713 2022-006
    Significant Deficiency
  • 8715 2022-006
    Significant Deficiency
  • 8716 2022-004
    Material Weakness
  • 8717 2022-006
    Significant Deficiency
  • 8718 2022-005
    Material Weakness
  • 8719 2022-006
    Significant Deficiency
  • 8720 2022-007
    Material Weakness
  • 585154 2022-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 585155 2022-006
    Significant Deficiency
  • 585156 2022-008
    Material Weakness
  • 585157 2022-006
    Significant Deficiency
  • 585158 2022-004
    Material Weakness
  • 585159 2022-006
    Significant Deficiency
  • 585160 2022-005
    Material Weakness
  • 585161 2022-006
    Significant Deficiency
  • 585162 2022-007
    Material Weakness

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
21.019 Coronavirus Relief Fund $2.60M
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $2.46M
93.498 Provider Relief Fund $1.47M
97.036 Disaster Grants - Public Assistance (presidentially Declared Disasters) $593,782