The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is a federal agency that oversees health care programs, including Federally-Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) like us. Approximately every three years, HRSA arranges for an “operational site visit” to every community health center in the country. Our next one is happening next week, with the Tuesday arrival of three independent contractors with significant health center experience and our Health Care for the Homeless Project Officer. Their extensive review of our policies, procedures and practices measure compliance with HRSA’s “19 Core Requirements” of community health centers. These requirements are organized in three main areas, which match the expertise of the independent reviewers: 1) clinical, 2) finance, and 3) governance. Throughout the review, they’ll share best practices with us, and identify areas for performance improvement.

HRSA is both our largest funder (responsible for about one-fifth of our annual budget) and our most important federal partner. Our designation as an FQHC gives us a range of benefits, including:

• the ability to bill Medicaid and Medicare at a cost-based “FQHC rate”
• medical malpractice insurance coverage for the large majority of our staff
• the ability to purchase low-cost medications through the federal 340B program—while gaining significant pharmacy rebates that support our budget

Our further “special needs” designation as a Health Care for the Homeless project gives us greater flexibility and certain waivers from other community health center requirements—such as the mandate that 51% of community health center boards comprise current patients of the organization. Their review assures our “good standing” to continue operating as an FQHC to leverage these important benefits, as well as grant funding to serve our clients and advance our mission.   

Here’s who will visit Health Care for the Homeless next week:

• Dr. Constance D. Shabazz: Team Lead/Clinical Consultant
• Carol Lightsey: Administration/Governance Consultant
• Sonja McCausland: Fiscal Consultant
• Benito Velazquez: Health Care for the Homeless Project Officer, Bureau of Primary Health Care/HRSA

Throughout their visit, they will review policies and records, assess clinical operations and meet with designated agency representatives. Their schedule includes:

• An opening conference with agency leadership on Tuesday morning
• A tour of 421 Fallsway and possibly other sites
• A lunch meeting with Board members on Wednesday
• A daily debriefing
• A closing conference to review survey results

Much of the time, they’ll be headquartered with laptop computers in the small conference room on the third floor at 421 Fallsway.  

Many thanks to Chief Quality Officer Tonii Gedin and her team, who have spent the past several months assembling documents, reviewing guidelines and preparing the agency for this operational site visit. We have every confidence that Health Care for the Homeless will pass the review with flying colors, and that HRSA’s assessment of our organization will only make us stronger.