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 inthis Formso that we can know who you are and contact you with updated information as it becomes available.
CHCANYS Technical Assistance and Support If you would like to request a letter of support, please read our Policy Regarding Requests for Letters of Support. The Letter of Support Request Form indicates your agreement to comply with this policy. Please click here to fill out CHCANYS’ Letter of Support Request Form. This is an emailable PDF form. Please fill it out and click the “submit” button at the top left of the page. CHCANYS’ receipt of this form and the accompanying documentation requested is not a guarantee that a letter will be provided; all requests are subject to review by CHCANYS staff.
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 below:
