Where To Report Waste

Fraud, Abuse, Or Retaliation

The Puerto Rico Department of Health’s Implementation of its Emergency Preparedness and Response Activities Before and After Hurricane Maria was Not Effective

Submitting OIG:

Department of Health & Human Services OIG

Date Issued:

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Agency Reviewed / Investigated:

Department of Health & Human Services

Submitting OIG-Specific Report Number:

A-02-18-02002

Component, if applicable:

Office of the Secretary

Office of the Secretary

Office of the Secretary

Office of the Secretary

Type of Report:

Audit

Questioned Costs:

$0

Funds for Better Use:

$0

Number of Recommendations:

3

Related Open Recommendations

Recommendation Number	Recommendation Status	Significant Recommendation	Additional Details
270863	Open	No
We recommend that Puerto Rico Department of Health revise its EOP, including adding or updating procedures, to comply with HPP-PHEP Cooperative Agreement requirements related to: (1) conducting annual public health and medical preparedness exercises or drills that include at-risk populations in all of its planning and activities; (2) identifying resources for at-risk populations; (3) anticipating storage needs for a surge of human remains; (4) implementing and identifying emergency procurement procedures; (5) clearly defining HCC Specialists' responsibilities; (6) obtaining public comment and input on its EOP; (7) utilizing EMAC or other public health mutual aid agreements to support coordinated activities when responding to public health emergencies; and (8) ensuring that all HCC members can share information regarding resources and resource needs to address an emergency.
270864	Open	No
We recommend that the Puerto Rico Department of Health consider working with ASPR to develop an effective method for contacting healthcare volunteers when there are communication challenges.
270865	Open	No
We recommend that Puerto Rico Department of Health consider coordinating with appropriate organizations to develop guidance on accurate cause-of-death certifications focusing on whether underlying causes of death were disaster-related.