Health Resources and Services Administration's Monitoring of High-Risk COVID-19 Grantees
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is the primary Federal agency for improving health care to people who are geographically isolated and economically or medically vulnerable. HRSA funds nearly 1,400 health centers that deliver care to the most vulnerable individuals and families, regardless of ability to pay. HRSA should identify and mitigate risks related to awarding grants to health centers in order to minimize the potential misuse or loss of Federal funds, as required by the HHS Grants Policy Administration Manual, Part F, Chapter 4.a.1. In spring 2020, HRSA awarded through three programs nearly $2 billion to approximately 1,380 health centers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To expedite distribution of this funding, HRSA did not require that health centers apply for grants. Instead, it made funds immediately available to health centers. Health centers had 30 days from the award release date to submit the information that is usually submitted, reviewed, and approved during the grant application process prior to a grantee receiving funding. The information that each of the health centers provided included a program narrative, a budget and budget narrative, and a list of equipment to be purchased, if applicable. We will determine whether HRSA had an effective process for identifying and monitoring high-risk health centers that received COVID-19 grant funds.
Announced or Revised | Agency | Title | Component | Report Number(s) | Expected Issue Date (FY) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Completed | Health Resources and Services Administration | Health Resources and Services Administration's Monitoring of High-Risk COVID-19 Grantees | Office of Audit Services | W-00-21-59452; A-01-21-01503 |
2023 |