Health Center Governance

Every FQHC board is consumer-led, meaning at least 51% of the members are healthcare consumers and use the health center as their main source of care. The intention is to ensure the center is responsive to the needs of the communities it serves. Board members serve as the link between the community and the health center.

The board provides oversight of all major aspects of the center and ensures compliance with all state and federal laws. Their responsibilities include: Holding monthly meetings; Approval of the health center grant application and budget; Selection/dismissal and performance evaluation of the health center CEO; Selection of services to be provided and the health center hours of operations; Measuring and evaluating the progress in meeting goals; Ongoing review of the organization’s mission and bylaws; Strategic Planning; Evaluating patient satisfaction, Monitoring organizational assets and performance; and establishment of general policies for the health center.

FQHC boards should reflect the demographics and socio-economic status of their target populations. They can be between 9 and 25 members, depending on the needs of the organization.  Non-consumer board members should be selected for their expertise in community affairs, local government, finance and banking, legal affairs, trade unions, and other commercial and industrial concerns, or social service agencies within the community. No more than one-half (50%) of the non-consumer board members may derive more than 10% of their annual income from the healthcare industry.

Health center bylaws or written corporate board approved policy must include provisions that prohibit conflict of interest by board members, employees, consultants and those who furnish goods or services to the health center. No board member shall be an employee of the health center or an immediate family member of an employee. The Chief Executive may serve only as a non-voting ex-officio member of the board.

Health Center Program Compliance

Health centers must make sure to comply with HRSA’s Health Center Compliance Manual

Governance Training and Technical Assistance

FACHC Board Training

Governance Resources

FQHC Board Resource Manual – Contact FACHC
HRSA Governing Board Handbook
FQHC Board Education Videos NACHC
Practical Guidance for Healthcare Governing Boards on Compliance Oversight, OIG and HRSA
Community Health Center Board Resources, CHAMPS
Health Center Board Governance Resources, MPCA

For more information, contact Erin Sologaistoa at [email protected]