Timothy DeFoor, Pennsylvania Auditor General | Official Headshot
Auditor General Tim DeFoor has urged the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) to improve its oversight of the Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund (EMSOF), following a performance audit that found persistent issues with internal controls. This marks the fifth consecutive audit highlighting these concerns.
"In audit after audit, DOH said things would change," DeFoor stated. "After 15 years of audits, DOH doesn't really know if the money it distributed to help EMS was used for allowable purposes 68 percent of the time. This is unacceptable."
The most recent audit reviewed DOH's management of EMSOF from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2024. During this period, $37.9 million was distributed from the fund. The report noted no issues with how DOH managed the Head Injury Program, which receives a quarter of EMSOF resources. However, auditors identified two findings and made 18 recommendations regarding administration of the remaining $29.3 million allocated to support Pennsylvania's statewide emergency medical services system.
The performance audit is required by law and aims to ensure that public funds are used as intended when distributed to regional EMS councils and the State EMS Advisory Board.
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