SOLD OUT!

We are currently at capacity for the Mastering the Compliance Manual and have limited spacing available for the Annual FTCA Forum training. 

• Mastering the Compliance Manual (2-days) | July 8-9, 2020 in Chicago, IL

Mastering the Compliance Manual

February 25-26, 2020 | Tempe, AZ

In the past few years, HRSA has transitioned its compliance efforts for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) from issuing multiple policy guidance documents to the current Health Center Program Compliance Manual, a consolidated resource to assist FQHCs in understanding, demonstrating and operationalizing compliance. The Manual, which supersedes most (but not all) prior guidance, incorporates a new approach to “everyday compliance” by addressing each requirement’s statutory and regulatory basis, the key elements of compliance that collectively form the framework of every health center’s project, the documentation necessary for verification and areas for which health centers maintain discretion.

To assist in evaluating compliance, HRSA issued a Site Visit Protocol, which aligns with the Manual and reflects a more objective assessment tool than prior review guides. HRSA most recently updated the Protocol in April 2019, further clarifying the documentation requirements and assessment methodologies used by HRSA for on-site reviews of grantees and FQHC look-alike entities (Operational Site Visits - OSVs) as well as for “desk audits” of applications for grant project period and LAL designation renewals.

With this new guidance, there is an expectation of 100% ongoing compliance with the Health Center Program Requirements. Is your health center prepared to meet this challenge? Are you familiar with the recent changes to HRSA compliance and the related assessment processes – both on-site and through the grant application? Have you reviewed the newest HRSA guidance with an eye towards shoring up your own operations and, as necessary, establishing your HRSA compliance work-plan? For example,

• Do you have HRSA-compliant written agreements in place for in-scope services provided by contract and/or formal referral?
• Are your providers appropriately credentialed and privileged and does your quality improvement system meet all current standards?
• Have you fully implemented the sliding fee discount program requirements?
• Have your billing and collection policies struck the balance between maximizing reimbursement and maintaining optimum access?
• Is your financial management system sufficient for federal accountability purposes?
• Is your Board of Directors exercising required authorities and meeting its composition requirements, and do you have documentation to verify compliance?

Join FTLF for this hands-on training covering:

• The Compliance Manual, including the elements of each programmatic requirement, the documentation required to verify compliance, and areas where health centers retain explicit discretion and flexibility;
• The Site Visit Protocol, including assessment methodologies designed for various elements;
• Updates to the OSV and Service Area Competition (SAC) and Look-Alike Renewal Designation (RD) review processes;
• Key hotspots under the new guidance; and
• Compliance tips from our presenters’ years of experience working first-hand with health centers prior to, during and after their OSVs.

Annual FTCA Forum

February 26-27, 2020 | Tempe, AZ

Many health centers and their staff members rely on the professional liability coverage offered pursuant to the Health Center Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) program. From submitting the initial application for “deeming” status to handling malpractice claims and preparing for a site visit, FTCA program compliance is essential.

FTCA coverage depends upon whether the services provided are:

• Within the health center’s 330 approved scope of project?
• Within the scope of employment?
• Provided to health center patients?

The answers to these questions are not simple. They often require legal analysis, interpretation of HRSA guidance, and detailed understanding of medical malpractice. Failing to comply with the FTCA program requirements can be very costly for health centers and providers who can be left without any professional liability insurance for very expensive claims.

FTLF's attorneys will discuss the biggest risks in FTCA coverage for health centers, including risks related to:

• FTCA applications and participation (either deeming or redeeming)
• Common concerns around FTCA coverage
• Current FTCA "hot issues" that health centers across the country face in the ever-changing healthcare environment

This session will also cover substantive changes in the FTCA program such as the addition of FTCA coverage for volunteers, as well as the significant changes made to the deeming application to bring it into alignment with the Health Center Compliance Manual.