COVID Funding Use Documentation and Reporting: Ensuring Compliance With Federal Requirements, Preparing for Audits

Many healthcare providers have received funds from the federal government to survive in the ongoing pandemic. Those funds come with requirements for documenting how the funds have been and continue to be used, as well as reporting on the receipt and use of those funds.

Since the early stages of the pandemic, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued guidance in the form of Terms and Conditions, Frequently Asked Questions, and Post-Payment Notices of Reporting Requirements, which impact providers and suppliers who received relief funds. The guidance specifies the prescribed use of funds, reporting requirements, and the applicability of auditing requirements found in HHS regulations. Additionally, the CARES Act authorizes the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) to conduct audits of provider use of the disbursed funds. Providers receiving and using federal funds should take compliance seriously and be prepared to respond to financial and compliance audits, such as the Single Audit, as well as possible oversight by enforcement agencies.

Listen as our authoritative panel examines recent guidance for ensuring compliance with the federal requirements for the use and documentation of COVID federal financial assistance.