How to Build a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)In order for CHCANYS to fulfill its work of providing services to existing health centers as well as those who are thinking of creating a new health center, we need your contact information. Please fill in THIS FORM so that we can know who you are and contact you with updated information as it becomes available.
Starting a Federally Qualified Health Center or “Look-Alike” in New York State
The Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS) has compiled a list of resources available to assist in the development of a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) or Look- Alike (LAL). The complete process often can take several months to a year or more and is contingent on the availability of federal funding.
The Health Center Program: How to Apply
The Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) website explains the application package and has detailed instructions on program requirements: HERE
A community, medical practice or other entity may be able to pursue FQHC status in the following manners:
Apply to the Bureau of Primary Health Care for 330 funding as funding becomes available
For the link to information, visit the HRSA website at Open Funding/Grant Opportunities: HERE
Apply to be a FQHC Look Alike and then later apply for 330 funding
HRSA Policy Information Notice (PIN) 2009-06 FQHC Look Alike Guidelines and Application provides information on the application process: HERE
Collaborate with an existing FQHC to apply as an expansion site
The HRSA website provides specific data on other NYS FQHC locations: HERE
Please remember that having the support and involvement of your community is crucial to a successful application.
CHCANYS has identified several documents to assist in the process of starting a Federally Qualified Health Center or Look-Alike. The review of these documents will give you an understanding of the process of how to become a funded grantee.
The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) has developed a MANUAL to assist in the process of starting a Federally Qualified Health Center.
NACHC also offers training on the development of proposals and funding opportunities: HERE
FQHCs are funded by the Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) which identifies and requires compliance with specific program expectations. This document PIN 98-23 outlines the BPHC program requirements.
FQHCs are required to establish and maintain a governing board which must be made up of at least 51% of consumers of the health centers services. These documents outline the requirements of the governing board:
To qualify for funding, applicants must be located in an area designated as a Medically Underserved Area or Population (MUA/P). To check and see your area’s designation, check the HRSA website: HERE
Please note that communities must seek MUA/P designation.
Community Health Centers may also utilize affiliation agreements with other entities. For clarification on affiliations requirements see HRSA PIN 98-24.
Please visit our HOME PAGE for more information on CHCANYS. If you would like to be added to CHCANYS database to receive bimonthly email communication, please email rgaige@chcanys.org.
In
order for CHCANYS to fulfill its work of providing services to existing
health centers as well as those who are thinking of creating a new
health center, we need your contact information. Please fill in THIS FORM so that we can know who you are and contact you with updated information as it becomes available.
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