Physicians who received Provider Relief Funds can get a reporting extension in some circumstances

For physicians who received Provider Relief Funds to help mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on their practice, the Health Resources & Service Administration is granting a reporting extension for those who faced extenuating circumstances.

The extension is for physicians who were required to report in an applicable reporting period, but extenuating circumstances prevented them from doing so by the required deadline. If the request is approved, the physician will have the opportunity to complete their report in the PRF Reporting Portal. If the request is denied, the physician will be deemed non-compliant and will be required to return all funds that were not reported.

Here’s how the process works. A physician may request an opportunity to complete their report after the deadline if one of the following circumstances applies:

Severe illness or death – a severe medical condition or death of a provider or key staff member responsible for reporting hindered the organization’s ability to complete the report during the reporting period.

Impacted by natural disaster – a natural disaster occurred during or in close proximity of the end of the reporting period damaging the organization’s records or information technology.

Lack of receipt of reporting communications – an incorrect email or mailing address on file with HRSA prevented the organization from receiving instructions prior to the reporting period deadline.

Failure to click “Submit” – the organization registered and prepared a report in the PRF Reporting Portal, but failed to take the final step to click “Submit” prior to deadline.

Internal miscommunication or error – internal miscommunication or error regarding the individual who was authorized and expected to submit the report on behalf of the organization and/or the registered point of contact in the PRF Reporting Portal.

Incomplete Targeted Distribution payments – the organization’s parent entity completed all general distribution payments, but a targeted distribution(s) was not reported on by the subsidiary.

All providers who are considered non-compliant will be notified by HRSA after the conclusion of the reporting period and be given details on how to submit a request to report late due to extenuating circumstances. Providers who plan to submit a request, but have not registered in the PRF Reporting Portal, should complete registration prior to submitting their request. Registration instructions are on the PRF Reporting webpage.

The physician must indicate and attest to a clear and concise explanation related to the applicable extenuating circumstance; however, supporting documentation will not be required.

Providers whose request is approved will receive a notification to proceed with completing the report. Providers will have 10 days from the date the notification is received to submit a report in the PRF portal.

Requests can be submitted from Monday, April 11 to Friday, April 22, 2022