Finding 964159 (2023-002)

Material Weakness
Requirement
ABL
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-03-28
Audit: 299772
Auditor: Forvis LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Health System incorrectly reported lost revenues under Option i by making unallowed adjustments, leading to non-compliance with DHHS requirements.
  • Impacted Requirements: Reporting standards outlined in 45 CFR 75.42 and specific guidelines for the Provider Relief Fund.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Update policies and procedures for federal grant reporting to ensure compliance with the correct reporting methods for lost revenues.

Finding Text

COVID-19 Provider Relief Fund and American Rescue Plan (ARP) Rural Distribution Federal Assistance Listing Number 93.498 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Criteria or Specific Requirement – Reporting (45 CFR 75.42) and Activities Allowed/Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles (Pub. L No 116-136, 134 Stat. 563 and Pub L. No 116-139, 134 Stat. 622 and 623 ) Condition – The Health System elected Option i to report lost revenues to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for reporting Provider Relief Funds for Period 4. Under Option i, lost revenues are determined to be the difference between 2019 actual patient service revenue and current year actual patient service revenue. The Health System made certain adjustments to patient service revenue similar to Option iii which are not allowed under Option i reporting. Questioned Costs – Unknown. Context –The Provider Relief Fund report for Period 4 was obtained and it was determined that Option i was elected to report lost revenues. The Health System made certain adjustments to patient revenues which were not prescribed under Option i. Effect – The Health System’s reporting of lost revenues to DHHS for Period 4 was not prepared in accordance with the requirements determined by DHHS. In addition, the lost revenues were not properly supported by utilizing Option i. Cause – Management of the Health System did not fully understand the various methods and requirements of each of the three options to determine and report lost revenues. Identification as a Repeat Finding – Not applicable. Recommendation: Policies and procedures over federal grant reporting should be modified to ensure lost revenues are prepared in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Provider Relief Funds. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions – Management will review any future reporting requirements and revise future reports as necessary. We have researched the applicable reporting requirements and developed a plan to ensure accurate reports are submitted for any future reporting periods as necessary.

Categories

Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Reporting

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 387717 2023-002
    Material Weakness

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
93.498 Provider Relief Fund $4.38M
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $229,163
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $61,797
64.027 Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance $3,926