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H H S Department of Health and Human Services
Health Resources and Services Administration
Primary Care: The Health Center Program

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Health Center Accreditation

Accreditation is the process of measuring quality against a defined set of standards.  An accredited facility shows that it sets a standard, follows the standard, and can demonstrate the standard.  Normally, an accreditation assessment is performed by a third party via unannounced inspections; however, there is no third party involved in assessing quality for FTCA. Accreditation applies only to health centers. Free clinics are not currently accredited.

The FTCA application process requires applicants to disclose whether or not they are accredited; and if so, by whom.  There is no requirement for health clinics to be accredited in order to participate in the FTCA program.  Although accreditation is expensive, the FTCA will cover the expense if health centers wish to pursue it. The free clinic application does not currently address accreditation. 

The FTCA application that asks applicants to disclose professional liability history that covers the past five (5) years.  The intent of this question is to assess if there are procedures in place to reduce liability.  If a claim has been filed, a facility needs to demonstrate steps to reduce the potential liability in the future.

Some of the major benefits of going through the accreditation process:

  1. Assists in risk management and risk mitigation
  2. Demonstrates that the health center is a quality facility and provides quality service
  3. Assists in employee recruitment

For health centers that are already deemed, having risk management procedures, a Quality Improvement plan, and credentialed providers in place will make it easier to get accredited. 

The Health Center Program Accreditation

In addition to accreditation by the Joint Commission and the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, health centers can earn recognition as a Patient-Centered Medical Home.  See PAL 2011-01 "HRSA Patient-Centered Medical/Health Home Initiative.

For additional information, learn how to apply for accreditation.

FTCA HC Policy

Policy Information Notice 2011-01

Health Center Policy Manual

Accreditation Resources