Page 53 - Healthcare News August 2021

HEALTHY OUTLOOK
Know the Rules
An Update on Compliance and Reporting for Provider Relief Funds
BAy JAMES T. KRUPIENSKI, CPA
t the start of the COVID-19 pandemic
in the early parts of 2020, the concern of
business survival was the number-one thought of countless businesses, with each indus- try having its own struggles. The medical industry was not without its own real concerns at that time, particularly given its role in the pandemic fight. People would continue to get sick, require treat- ment, and see their physicians, but how could it be done safely?
Recognizing the financial crisis that was about
all phases and were to be completed through use of a portal with the HHS (www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/ cares-act-provider-relief-fund/for-providers/index. html#how-to-attest).
Reporting
As part of the attestation process, any provider receiving more than $10,000 in payments through the PRF would be required to report on use of the funds. While the specifics on the exact reporting took months to be finalized and continued to be
For all recipients of the fund, it is important to continue to monitor this process so that a report- ing deadline is not missed. To stay on top of this process, the HHS has been updating its site (www. hhs.gov/coronavirus/cares-act-provider-relief-fund/ reporting-auditing/index.html) with current regula- tions.
Audit Requirement
One stipulation, not known to many, is that a government single audit is required if the combined
federal funds (PRF and other federal assistance) received were more than $750,000. Note that PPP funding does not count towards this total.
A single audit would be required of an organization that has $750,000 or more in federal awards. While typically, federal funding is awarded to not-for-profits and gov- ernmental organizations, the HHS PRF has opened many organiza- tions, including for-profit medical practices, to these compliance
requirements. If a practice has received combined federal awards though the Provider Relief Fund in excess of $750,000, a single audit will be required.
While the majority of relief programs under
the CARES Act (such as the Paycheck Protection Program) are subject to reporting requirements, the PRF has its own distinct rules to navigate. If your healthcare practice took advantage of the PRF in any amount, it is highly encouraged that you speak with an advisor as soon as possible to fully under- stand the compliance requirements. Navigating fed- eral compliance can be intimidating and confusing, especially if this is your first time doing so. Speaking with an advisor can demystify this process and help ensure that you understand the regulations. v
James T. Krupienski, CPA, MSA, is a partner in the Healthcare Services niche for Holyoke- based Meyers Brothers Kalicka, certified public accountants and business strategists; (413) 536-8510; www.mbkcpa.com
“While the COVID-19 relief provisions, as part of the CARES Act, provided a lifeline for many medical, dental, and other healthcare-related practices during the pandemic, that support was not without certain compliance requirements and reporting.”
to overtake this industry, along with how detri- mental it was for the industry to remain open and accessible to patients, the federal government took dramatic steps. In addition to Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, for which medical practices were eligible, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Eco- nomic Security (CARES) Act also allocated funds directly to the medical industry through the Depart- ment of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the newly created Provider Relief Fund (PRF).
The first round of funding, which was completely unexpected to many, occurred in early April 2020, when $30 billion was deposited directly into the accounts of eligible practices. Throughout 2020, additional funds were later rolled out in phases
2 and 3, as well as through targeted distributions to specific industries, such as rural providers and skilled-nursing facilities. Of importance is that, for all practices receiving these funds, there are several rules to be followed.
While the COVID-19 relief provisions, as part of the CARES Act, provided a lifeline for many medi- cal, dental, and other healthcare-related practices during the pandemic, that support was not without certain compliance requirements and reporting, which we will dive into within this article.
Attestations
First, within 90 days of receipt of the funds, each provider was required to attest to certain terms of use. For those electing to return the funds, it was re- quired to be done within 14 days of this attestation. Attestations were required for receipt of funds in
reworked by the HHS, the general guidelines were known. Barring no future changes, PRF dollars are to be applied in the order of:
1. Certain qualifying expenses that can be directly attributable to coronavirus; and
2. Lost revenues.
Of greatest importance is the understanding that the use of these funds must be kept separate and distinct from the use of other coronavirus-relief aid. For example, if you report on the use of a personnel or payroll related expense, it cannot also be tied to dollars used in applying for PPP loan forgiveness. Essentially, a practice cannot ‘double-dip.’
Initially, reporting was set to begin back in the summer of 2020, which was then pushed to the fall of 2020 and then again to Jan. 15, 2021. However, because of updated legislation and a change in administration, reporting had been delayed even further. In late June 2021, the reporting require- ments were finalized, and the reporting portal is now open to many, depending on when funds were received (see chart).
Reporting Schedule
Period 1
2
3
4
Payments Received Period 4/10/20 to 6/30/20 7/1/20 to 12/31/20 1/1/21 to 6/30/21 7/1/21 to 12/31/21
Deadline to Use Funds 6/30/21 12/31/21 6/30/22 12/31/22
PRF Reporting Period 7/1/21 to 9/30/21 1/1/22 to 3/31/22 7/1/22 to 9/30/22 1/1/23 to 3/31/23
AUGUST 2021 WWW.HEALTHCARENEWS.COM
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