This comprehensive on-demand training program is designed for professionals interested in establishing or transitioning to a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) or FQHC Look-alike status. Viewers will gain essential knowledge about the requirements, benefits, and challenges associated with these designations, equipping them with the insights needed to make informed decisions and navigate the complex process effectively.
Immerse yourself into Cherokee Health Systems’ pioneer journey to becoming an FQHC. Opening in 1960 as a mental health center in Eastern Tennessee and then expanding to primary care services, CHS adopted an “Integrated Health Care Home” model, integrated primary care, behavioral health, and substance use disorder treatment all in one. They have been nationally recognized for its innovative and consumer-centered health care approach.
Learn from Community Health Network, formed in 2008 in Texas and replacing an FQHC that lost its funding, how they went from one location and three exam rooms to 14 clinical locations with over 14 years of service. Some of their services include dental oral health, behavioral health, home health, and medical/primary care.
Viewers will:
- Understand the fundamental criteria and regulatory requirements for obtaining FQHC or FQHC Look-alike status, including eligibility criteria, scope of services, governance structure, and compliance standards
- Explore the unique benefits and challenges associated with operating as an FQHC or FQHC Look-alike, including access to federal funding, reimbursement mechanisms, quality improvement initiatives, and integration within the health care ecosystem
- Develop practical strategies and action plans for navigating the application process, establishing effective partnerships with stakeholders, and sustaining organizational viability and success as an FQHC or FQHC Look-alike
Featuring
Parinda Khatri, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer, Cherokee Health Systems
Dr. Parinda Khatri is Chief Executive Officer at Cherokee Health Systems (CHS). CHS is a Federally Qualified Health Center and licensed Community Mental Health Center that provides comprehensive and integrated primary, behavioral health, dental, vision, pharmacy, and outreach services to 70,000 patients across 25 counties in Tennessee. She serves on several national committees and boards, including the Mental/Behavioral Health Advisory Committee for the Association of American Medical Colleges, the National FQHC Advisory Board for United Healthcare, Board of Directors for Advocates for Community Health (ACH), Board of Directors for Association of Clinicians for the Underserved (ACU), and the AHRQ National Integration Academy Council. She has been awarded the Susan P. Smith Award of Excellence by the Tennessee Primary Care Association, the Don Bloch Award by the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association, the Excellence in Education and Teaching award by the Society of Health Psychology, and is a Fellow of the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved.
Penny Pabst, M.Ed., OHCC
Chief Administrative Officer, Community Health Network
Penny Pabst, CAO, holds a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Human Relationships and a Master of Education in Educational Psychology. She worked for eight years as a Child Life Specialist at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston before obtaining her master’s degree in 1997 and “found” her work mission in community health. Ms. Pabst has 27 years of experience working in federally qualified health centers. Ms. Pabst first worked at Fort Bend Family Health Center, Inc., where she served as a Children with Special Health Care Needs case manager before moving into administration. As Associate Director of Health Care Services (2002-2012), Ms. Pabst managed the daily operations of six physician land-based medical clinics and supervised the clinical and administrative support staff, including the front desk, nursing, patient registration, and medical records. She served as the project lead for clinic process measurement improvement (Access and Redesign Collaborative). As the Special Projects Officer from 2012-2017, Ms. Pabst served in the role of Project manager and implemented an integrated practice management/electronic health record system, and as system administrator; obtained contracts for new copier and phone systems; served as the Grant and Contract Manager and coordinated evaluation and monitoring of grant and contract funded programs, including reports and other communications with funding sources. Ms. Pabst was responsible for preparing and submitting the federal, state and private grant proposals and report, and managing the programs.
In her current position as CAO, Ms. Pabst oversees quality, risk management, compliance, credentialing, grants development, medical records, and social determinants of health (SDOH) duties. Ms. Pabst is responsible for overseeing the patient satisfaction survey process, private foundation and the state and federal contracts to ensure compliance with all contract components. Ms. Pabst is responsible for ensuring all staff receive cultural competency and LEP training through the Risk management program. Ms. Pabst oversees the HRSA site visit as the Compliance Officer, adds new sites and services to scope, and is responsible for any audits that occur at the organization.