Due largely to efforts led by the American Medical Association (AMA), the CAP, and other organizations, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) reopened the reporting period for recipients of Period 1 Provider Relief Funds (PRF). Providers were supposed to have reported through a HRSA PRF portal by the November 30, 2021, deadline, but a number of physician practices missed the deadline.

In a March 31 letter to HRSA, the AMA, CAP, and 30 other national medical specialty societies noted that small and rural practices appeared to be particularly impacted by the potential recoupment of funds they faced as a result of failing to report. These practices were greatly impacted by the COVID-19 surges in many ways that may have prevented or delayed the required reporting, the groups wrote. They requested that HRSA reopen the Period 1 reporting period for at least 60 days and engage in a targeted campaign to reach those who have yet to comply.

HRSA, an agency under the Department for Health and Human Services (HHS), has agreed to reopen the reporting period but only for 10 days. Those physicians who received more than $10,000 in provider relief funds and failed to submit their period 1 report should act immediately. Between Monday, April 11, and Friday, April 22, 2022, at 11:59 PM ET, providers may submit a late reporting period 1 request. Physician practices should receive information about how to submit a request directly from HRSA via e-mail. Providers who plan to submit a Request to Report Late Due to Extenuating Circumstance, 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.

During this reopening period, a provider must choose an extenuating circumstance(s) that prevented compliance with the original reporting deadline, such as severe illness or death, impact by a natural disaster or lack of receipt or reporting communications. While attesting to an extenuating circumstance is required, no supporting document or proof is required.

If HRSA approves the extenuated circumstances form, the provider will receive a notification to proceed with completing the reporting period 1 report shortly thereafter. Providers will have 10 days from the notification receipt date to submit the late report in the PRF reporting portal.

The CAP and other groups will continue to advocate for more flexibility and more information to ensure physician practices have an adequate opportunity to come into compliance.