This resource serves as an initial orientation to the health center program. It provides short introductory videos about the health center model as well as a path to more extensive learning about health center operations, governance, and service delivery.
If you want more in-depth content, we have included links to additional resources from the Clearinghouse within each topic area.
Using the Ready-Set-Go approach, you can:
Ready: Watch videos to gain a background knowledge of the health center model.
Set: Learn about the operational domains of the Health Center Excellence Framework.
Go: Continue learning about the service delivery domains of the Health Center Excellence Framework.
Read about Health Centers from HRSA’s Bureau of Primary Health Care: What is a Health Center?
READY: Introduction to Health Centers
These four videos provide a microlearning approach (learning in blocks of 5 minutes or less) to gaining an understanding about the Health Center Program; types of health centers; program benefits and requirements; and governance requirements. These videos are part of a comprehensive Health Center 101 eLearning course.
Note: Microlearning videos are from 2022. Updated health center statistics can be found on HRSA’s Health Center Program Uniform Data System (UDS) webpage. For additional information about requirements and compliance, access HRSA BPHC’s Health Center Program Compliance Manual.
Special Focus: Health Center Needs Assessment Video Series
The Advancing Health Center Excellence Framework
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Advancing Health Center Excellence Framework is a conceptual structure aimed at promoting Health Center Program grantee excellence in seven key domain areas.
The framework includes two types of domain areas:
- Operational Domains: These domains assess the operational efficiencies and effectiveness of the health center.
- Service Delivery Domains: These domains directly impact patient care and the community.
For more information, see the HRSA BPHC factsheet.
SET: Learn Based on the Operational Domains
Operational Domains:
Governance
Definition:
The health center implements effective governance that continuously promotes operational excellence to support delivery of high-quality, cost-efficient, patient-centered, equitable care to the community. The health center board governs and provides strategic leadership.
See this summary guide on governance to learn more about major areas of board responsibility, relevant state and federal laws, and the latest effective governance practices for nonprofit boards.
For additional information, see selected Governance resources. Click here to search for resources tailored to your needs.
Maturity Model:
Management
Definition:
As with governance, the health center implements effective leadership and management to support delivery of high-quality, cost-efficient, patient-centered, equitable care to the community. The health center board provides strategic leadership. The CEO and health center management team are responsible for managing and implementing policies and plans set by the board.
For additional information, see selected Management resources. Many more resources are available on the Clearinghouse. Click here to search for resources tailored to your needs.
Maturity Model:
Workforce
Definition:
The health center recruits, develops, engages, and retains the appropriate staffing mix of qualified providers and staff needed to provide safe and culturally affirming care to its patient population.
For additional information, see selected Workforce resources. Many more resources are available on the Clearinghouse. Click here to search for resources tailored to your needs.
Maturity Model:
Financial Sustainability
Definition:
The health center has fiscally sound accounting, revenue cycle, and financial management and planning policies and practices. It seeks to optimally manage revenue diversity and financial viability while advancing patient outcomes.
For additional information, see selected Financial Sustainability resources. Many more resources are available on the Clearinghouse. Click here to search for resources tailored to your needs.
Maturity Model:
GO: Learn About the Service Delivery Domains
Service Delivery Domains:
Access and Affordability
Definition:
The health center provides comprehensive, affordable, and culturally and linguistically appropriate health services in a timely manner..
For additional information, see selected Access and Affordability resources. Many more resources are available on the Clearinghouse. Click here to search for resources tailored to your needs.
Maturity Model:
Patient Experience
Definition:
The health center provides care that is respectful of, and responsive to, individual patient preferences, culture, needs, and values when delivering care. The health center coordinates equity-oriented, patient-centered care and provides information and education to encourage patients, families, and caregivers to actively engage in their care.
For additional information, see selected Patient Experience resources. Many more resources are available on the Clearinghouse. Click here to search for resources tailored to your needs.
Maturity Model:
Quality, Patient Care, and Safety
Definition:
The health center provides safe, effective, appropriate, timely, and equitable healthcare services to patients to increase the likelihood of desired health outcomes.
For additional information, see selected Quality, Patient Care, and Safety resources. Many more resources are available on the Clearinghouse. Click here to search for resources tailored to your needs.
Maturity Model:
Population Health and Social Determinants of Health
Definition:
The health center provides comprehensive services to address needs of the patient population. It achieves this by understanding the social risk factors and social needs in the community and by collaborating with diverse partners to address key drivers of poor health and improve health equity.
For additional information, see selected Population Health and Social Determinants of Health resources. Many more resources are available on the Clearinghouse. Click here to search for resources tailored to your needs.
Maturity Model:
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