Warrendale, PA – Jeffrey J. Petrell, JD, CPA, a Health Care Services Partner and Director of Tax Services with Carbis Walker LLP, Certified Public Accountants & Consultants, participated in the recent Medicare and Medicaid Update sponsored by the Healthcare Financial Management Association and Hospital Council of Western PA.  The event, held at Hospital Council headquarters in Warrendale, PA, featured a variety of speakers in a full-day event focused on reimbursement and tax changes affecting Hospitals.  Petrell presented on the topic, “Community Benefit and Form 990 Schedule H Reporting.” 

The presentation centered on the fact that federal, state, and local governments are increasing their efforts to have hospitals justify tax exemptions.

Petrell explained how Community Benefit comes into play and the details of Schedule H, which is required to be completed in its entirely for the 2009 tax reporting year.  The Schedule consists of six parts which include:  Charity Care and Other Community Benefits; Community Building Activities; Bad Debt, Medicare & Collection Practices; Management Companies & Joint Ventures; Facility Information; and Supplemental Information.

Petrell’s presentation included a review of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act changes, including the newly added IRC Section 501(r).  Petrell commented, “Tax-exempt hospitals are continuing to face additional challenges every year in complying with the new tax laws.” Jeff Petrell may be reached at 412.635.6270, or at jpetrell@carbis.com.

About Carbis Walker LLP

Carbis Walker LLP was founded over sixty years ago and is a member of the Carbis Walker Group.  The Firm has five offices throughout western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, and specializes in the areas of Construction & Real Estate, Health Care, Manufacturing & Distribution, and Auto Dealerships Services. 

Carbis Walker LLP is a member of the McGladrey Alliance.  The McGladrey Alliance (www.mcgladrey.com/alliance) is a premier affiliation of independent accounting and consulting firms in the United States, with more than 90 members in 49 states and Puerto Rico.  The McGladrey Alliance member firms maintain their name, autonomy, and independence and are responsible for their own client fee arrangements, delivery of services, and maintenance of client relationships.

The McGladrey Alliance is a business of RSM McGladrey, Inc., a leading professional services firm providing tax and consulting services.