Review of the State of Massachusetts' Efforts To Account For and Monitor Sub-Recipients' Use of Bioterrorism Hospital Preparedness Program Funds

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The objective of this review was to determine whether the State: (1) properly recorded, summarized and reported bioterrorism preparedness transactions in accordance with the terms and conditions of the cooperative agreements; and (2) established controls and procedures to monitor sub-recipient expenditures of Health Resources and Services Administration Bioterrorism Hospital Preparedness Program (the Program) funds.  We found that the State generally accounted for the Program funds in accordance with the terms and conditions of the cooperative agreement and applicable departmental regulations and guidelines.  Further, State officials have indicated that the Program funding has not been used to supplant any existing state, or local programs.  We recommended that the State segregate expenditures by phase and priority planning area, and conduct random audits of sub-recipients.  The State concurred with our findings and recommendations.