In response to recently declared emergencies, including wildfires, earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic, HRSA issued PAL 2020-05: Requesting a Change in Scope to Add Temporary Sites in Response to Emergency Events. This PAL updates and replaces the information in PAL 2014-05: Change in Scope Requests to Add Temporary Sites in Response to Emergency Events.
The updated PAL does not establish new policy, but it clarifies key terms, such as providing a definition of an “impacted” health center. This clarification allows HRSA to streamline the amount of information health centers submit when requesting a temporary service site. The PAL also allows health centers to request HRSA approval for an extension of the temporary site beyond 90 days.
For further assistance regarding a change in scope request to add a temporary service site during an emergency, Health Center Program awardees and look-alikes are encouraged to contact their BPHC Project Officer.