AAPM&R supported a joint letter urging the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to reopen the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Period 1 reporting window for at least 60 days and engage in a targeted campaign to reach those who did not report through the HRSA PRF Reporting Portal by the November 30, 2021 deadline. This stems from concerns regarding the recoupment of Period 1 funding received, especially for small and rural physician practices who are particularly impacted by the reporting deadline and consequences of recoupment. The letter offers insight into the challenges physicians have faced during the COVID-19 surges, impeding their ability to comply with the deadline:
- Practices reported they were not contacted about the requirement to report and were thus unaware of the deadline;
- Medical and administrative staff contracted COVID-19 or were acting as a caregiver and,
therefore, were out of off the office which caused them to miss the reporting deadline; and
- Staffing challenges and turnover resulted in the practice’s point of contact no longer being
affiliated with the practice.
For more information about PRF reporting, visit the HRSA website.